Arsenal prepares to host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday in a crucial Carabao Cup quarter-final clash. The fixture, scheduled for an 8pm kick-off, holds significant stakes as the victor will advance to face Chelsea in the semi-finals. This encounter marks a pivotal moment for both London clubs aiming for silverware this season.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side enters the match in strong form, having secured three consecutive wins across all competitions. While currently leading the Premier League table, their advantage has recently narrowed to just two points over Manchester City. Maintaining winning momentum remains a key objective for the Gunners as they navigate a demanding schedule across domestic and European fronts.
Crystal Palace faces a challenging period, with this Carabao Cup tie marking their third game in just six days. The Eagles recently secured a 2-2 draw at home against Finnish side KPS Kuopio in the Europa Conference League, followed by a significant 4-1 league defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. Manager Oliver Glasner will view this cup fixture as a prime opportunity for his team to regroup and deliver a strong performance.
The Eagles currently sit eighth in the Premier League, 13 points adrift of their Tuesday opponents, and have failed to register a win in their last three outings across all competitions. Despite recent struggles, key players like Eberechi Eze could pose a threat. Eze, a dynamic midfielder, previously found the net against Arsenal in their earlier league encounter this season, a match the Gunners narrowly won 1-0 at the Emirates. His return to the starting lineup is anticipated after being an unused substitute in their recent league fixture.
Squad rotation is expected from both managers, given the congested fixture list leading into the festive period. Arsenal, who last lifted the League Cup in 1993, will likely integrate players needing game time, such as Gabriel Jesus, who is recovering from a long-term injury. Young prospects like Ethan Nwaneri, who scored in the previous round, may also feature prominently.
Crystal Palace’s journey to the quarter-finals has included notable victories over Millwall and Premier League rivals Liverpool. A win on Tuesday would propel them into the last four of the competition for the fifth time in their history, and the first since 2012, when their run was ended by Cardiff City. The club and its supporters are acutely aware of the importance of a deep cup run.
The two teams met at this very stage of the Carabao Cup last season, with Arsenal emerging victorious in a thrilling 3-2 encounter, largely thanks to a hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus. Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Gunner Eddie Nketiah were on target for the Eagles in that match. Historically, Palace’s last win against Arsenal dates back to 2022, a commanding 3-0 league victory. Since then, Arsenal has dominated the fixture, securing seven wins and one draw.
For Arsenal, several key players are sidelined, including Ben White (hamstring), Gabriel (adductor), Kai Havertz (knee), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), and Max Dowman (ankle). However, the potential return of Gabriel Jesus to the starting XI after his cruciate ligament injury offers a significant boost to their attacking options.
Crystal Palace also contends with notable absences. Daichi Kamada remains out due to injury, while Ismaila Sarr is unavailable as he represents Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is also a doubt, struggling with a persistent knee problem, which could further impact manager Glasner’s selection choices for the crucial cup tie.
