Arsenal and Crystal Palace are set for an exciting doubleheader this week, starting with a high-stakes clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. Both teams are vying for a spot in the EFL Cup semi-finals, with plenty of drama already brewing between these London rivals.
In their recent Premier League outings, Crystal Palace celebrated a resounding 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, showcasing their attacking prowess. Meanwhile, Arsenal stumbled to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Everton, where the Toffees’ goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered a stellar performance to deny the Gunners.
Despite Liverpool dropping points in their Premier League title race, Arsenal have failed to capitalize, leaving Mikel Arteta under scrutiny. Their inability to break through Everton's defense last weekend highlighted a worrying dip in their usually sharp attacking form. The gap to league leaders Liverpool remains at six points, but that could extend to nine if Liverpool win their game in hand.
While Arsenal’s Premier League form has faltered, they’ve been ruthless in the EFL Cup, brushing aside Bolton Wanderers with a 5-1 win and defeating Preston North End 3-0. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri’s stunning goal in the latter fixture was a standout moment. However, history isn’t on Arsenal’s side in this competition; they’ve been eliminated in seven of their last 10 quarter-final appearances and haven’t lifted the trophy in over three decades.
Crystal Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, are dreaming of equaling their best-ever EFL Cup run by reaching the semi-finals—a feat they’ve achieved in 1995, 2001, and 2012. Their path to this stage hasn’t been easy, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the fourth round adding to wins against Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers.
Fresh from their Premier League triumph over Brighton, the Eagles are flying high. Ismaila Sarr’s standout performance was instrumental in their victory, extending Palace’s unbeaten streak in all competitions to five games. On the road, they’ve been particularly resilient, avoiding defeat since October’s loss to Nottingham Forest.
This quarter-final clash is just the beginning, as Arsenal and Crystal Palace are set to face off again in a Premier League derby on Saturday. Arsenal will aim to maintain their dominance, having won the last four meetings between the sides. However, with Palace brimming with confidence, Wednesday's EFL Cup battle promises to be a gripping encounter.
Will Arsenal overcome their EFL Cup quarter-final hoodoo, or can Crystal Palace continue their impressive run and make history? All eyes will be on the Emirates as these two London sides fight for a spot in the last four.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Mikel Arteta’s decision to substitute Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard just after the hour mark on Saturday raised a few eyebrows, but the Arsenal boss later clarified that Rice had requested to come off due to a minor issue. With that in mind, the midfielder is likely to be rested midweek.
Arsenal’s injury concerns persist, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined due to knee problems. Goalkeeper Neto remains unavailable as he’s cup-tied, and there are still question marks over Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko, neither of whom were fit to face Everton.
Arteta is expected to rotate his squad for this clash, potentially giving opportunities to fringe players like Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, and Jakub Kiwior. Kieran Tierney may also finally get a start after consecutive appearances from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who could use a breather.
For Crystal Palace, Daniel Muñoz’s fifth Premier League booking at the weekend won’t affect his participation in this game—his suspension will be served in the league. Manager Oliver Glasner might also welcome back Joel Ward and Adam Wharton, who missed the Brighton win. While Wharton has been recovering from surgery, his return isn’t entirely ruled out yet, unlike Chadi Riad (fitness) and Matheus Franca (groin), who remain unavailable.
Rob Holding, still out of favor due to disciplinary issues, won’t get a chance to face his old club. However, former Arsenal players Matt Turner and Eddie Nketiah could feature in Palace’s starting lineup as they aim to upset the Gunners.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Saka, Jesus, Sterling
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Turner; Guehi, Chalobah, Lacroix; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Nketiah
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has shown no hesitation in fielding his strongest XI in the EFL Cup, benefiting from the lack of European commitments. With a well-organized and consistent lineup, the Eagles have the tools to frustrate an Arsenal side that has recently struggled to find its attacking edge.
That said, Palace also have their Premier League survival fight to focus on, which might shift their priorities. Even if it takes a moment of brilliance from a set piece, Arsenal are still favorites to find the crucial goal needed to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
