Arsenal Host Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup Battle to Reach Chelsea Semi-Final

The pressure's on Arsenal to make their move in the Carabao Cup. Silverware at the Emirates would serve as more than just a trophy – it could be the catalyst for something far bigger under Mikel Arteta's tenure.

The Gunners find themselves in sparkling form heading into Tuesday's quarter-final showdown. A perfect Champions League record of six wins from six has them flying in Europe, whilst they've already secured top spot in the Premier League at Christmas following a gritty 1-0 victory over Everton. This fixture, bumped back a week to ease the fixture congestion, carries extra significance: the winners will face Chelsea in the last four.

Crystal Palace earned their passage through this round by dismantling a weakened Liverpool 3-0, sparking an impressive seven-win run in ten matches. However, recent weeks have proved troublesome. A 3-0 home hammering by Manchester City preceded their European disappointment against KuPS, and they limped through the weekend with a heavily rotated squad, getting battered 4-1 at Leeds United.

Team News

Arsenal's defensive injury list remains a headache for Arteta. Gabriel, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are all ruled out, whilst Kai Havertz continues his absence as the Gunners prepare for three consecutive home fixtures. Rotation is expected, with opportunities likely for Christian Norgaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Gabriel Jesus could feature prominently after his recent return from injury – he plundered a hat-trick when these sides met in last season's quarter-finals.

Palace's squad depth is being tested severely. Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice against Liverpool, departs for AFCON duty. Daniel Munoz's knee injury keeps him sidelined, as does Daichi Kamada's ongoing issues. Eddie Nketiah, the former Arsenal man with a stunning Carabao Cup pedigree, may lead the line ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who's been battling through a knee problem.

The Numbers

Arsenal's dominance over Palace reads like a masterclass: seven wins in their last eight meetings across all competitions, with just one draw. The Gunners have already beaten them 1-0 in the league this season. In League Cup terms specifically, Palace's only victory came way back in 1970-71; Arsenal have won all three subsequent meetings, including last season's 3-2 quarter-final triumph at this very ground.

Palace have reached consecutive League Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1991-92/1992-93. Arsenal, meanwhile, haven't lifted this trophy since 1993 – a 33-year drought that would end on Tuesday.

Ethan Nwaneri's four goals in five League Cup starts this season mark him out as a prospect, though Eddie Nketiah's 13 League Cup goals since his 2017 debut remains the competition's leading mark among active players.

Arsenal's home record in the Premier League reads impressively: 22 points from 24 available, with just three goals conceded. That fortress mentality could prove decisive.

The Fixture

Kick-off is 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, December 23 at the Emirates. Sky Sports Football, ITVX and ITV 1 will all carry coverage from 7pm, with BBC Radio 5 Live providing full commentary.

Expected Line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3): Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Eze, Merino; Martinelli, Jesus, Madueke.

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Benitez; Guehi, Lacroix, Canvot; Wharton, Hughes, Lerma, Sosa; Pino, Devenny; Nketiah.