The Carabao Cup reaches a critical juncture tonight as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium, with a place in the semi-finals on the line. Both teams are eager to keep their cup dreams alive, but with injuries and suspensions affecting both squads, the battle promises to be as much about squad depth as tactical prowess.
Team Form and Context
Arsenal come into the game with momentum, having won their last four competitive meetings against Crystal Palace, including their two most recent clashes at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s side is unbeaten in their last five home games, making them the favourites. However, the Gunners are expected to field a rotated lineup, providing Palace a chance to capitalize.
Crystal Palace, under the stewardship of Oliver Glasner, have shown promise under the Austrian’s tactical system. While their league form has been inconsistent, Glasner’s side has embraced a more disciplined and aggressive approach, making them a tricky opponent in knockout competitions.
Team News
Arsenal
The Gunners face notable absences, with Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko all sidelined through injury. Neto, having already played in the competition for Bournemouth earlier this season, is ineligible.
Mikel Arteta is likely to call on David Raya in goal, while young talents like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are expected to feature. Arsenal’s attacking lineup will still have firepower, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Raheem Sterling leading the charge.
Crystal Palace
Palace are missing Daniel Munoz due to suspension, with Jeffrey Schlupp likely to step in at wing-back. Injury doubts surround Joel Ward, while Matheus Franca, Adam Wharton, Chadi Riad, and Rob Holding are unavailable.
Glasner will rely on key players like Eberechi Eze and Ismaïla Sarr to create chances, while former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah will lead the line against his old club. Glasner’s structured defensive setup will aim to frustrate Arsenal’s attacking flow, while counter-attacking through his pacy forwards.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1):
Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Schlupp, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Nketiah
What to Watch For
- Young Gunners Rising: Arsenal’s youth will be under the spotlight, particularly Ethan Nwaneri, who has impressed in the competition with three goals in two appearances.
- Nketiah’s Homecoming: Having started his career at Arsenal, Nketiah will have a point to prove against his former club.
- Tactical Duel: Arteta’s possession-heavy approach will be tested against Glasner’s compact defensive system and counter-attacking philosophy.
While Crystal Palace will put up a fight under Glasner’s disciplined management, Arsenal’s home form and depth should see them through. Expect a competitive game, but the Gunners’ firepower should prevail.
Kick-off is at 8:30 PM, with the action available to watch on various platforms. Can Arsenal secure their spot in the semi-finals, or will Glasner’s Palace pull off a shock? We’ll find out tonight at the Emirates.
