Arsenal Clash with Crystal Palace in High-Stakes Carabao Cup Showdown: Team News, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Arsenal and Crystal Palace will battle for a spot in the Carabao Cup semifinals in their last match before the Christmas break.
Because of Palace's packed fixture list, their quarterfinal encounter at Emirates Stadium is happening one week after the other last-eight fixtures. This means both teams are aware of their potential semifinal opponents, with a London derby guaranteed as Chelsea awaits Tuesday's winner. Newcastle United and Manchester City will face off in the other semifinal.
Arsenal will enter as favorites for this north London showdown, not just due to playing at home. The Gunners secured first place in the Premier League heading into Christmas with their tight weekend victory over Everton, keeping a two-point advantage over closest rivals Man City.
Mikel Arteta's squad has bounced back from their late loss at Aston Villa with three straight wins and two shutouts, with the Spanish manager, who is determined to deliver a first major trophy to the Emirates since the FA Cup in 2020, looking to continue their winning run against Palace.
Palace have already fallen to Arsenal this campaign and their demanding schedule is taking its toll. A disappointing draw with Finnish club KuPS in the Europa Conference League has been squeezed between three-goal losses to Man City and Leeds United in the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner's team will need to overcome exhaustion for their journey to Arsenal as they pursue another appearance at Wembley.
Here is Sports Illustrated's match preview.
What Time Does Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Kick Off?
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Arsenal | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|
Everton 0–1 Arsenal - 20/12/25 | Leeds 4–1 Crystal Palace - 20/12/25 |
Arsenal 2–1 Wolves - 13/12/25 | Crystal Palace 2–2 KuPS - 18/12/25 |
Club Brugge 0–3 Arsenal - 10/12/25 | Crystal Palace 0–3 Man City - 14/12/25 |
Aston Villa 2–1 Arsenal - 06/12/25 | Shelbourne 0–3 Crystal Palace - 11/12/25 |
Arsenal 2–0 Brentford - 03/12/25 | Fulham 1–2 Crystal Palace - 07/12/25 |
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | ITV 1, ITVX, STV, STV Player, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra |
United States | Paramount+ |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | Not televised |
Arsenal Team News
Arteta is anticipated to rotate his squad for the Palace encounter despite this being a major cup quarterfinal, with Arsenal's fringe players expected to receive playing time. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus are among those likely to feature in the starting eleven.
Eberechi Eze netted the decisive goal against Palace in the Premier League back in late October and could trouble his former club again having been an unused substitute in two of the last three fixtures.
Arsenal continue to deal with injury concerns, with the unavailability of Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White restricting Arteta's defensive choices. In attack, Kai Havertz and Max Dowman remain out.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard, Merino; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Jesus.
Crystal Palace Team News
With their limited squad being stretched even thinner by the demanding schedule, Glasner will probably make several changes from his usual Premier League starting eleven for Tuesday's match.
The Austrian manager will be missing Ismaïla Sarr as the Senegal winger has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, while crucial right wing-back Daniel Muñoz is accompanied by Daichi Kamada, Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucouré, Caleb Kporha and Rio Cardines on the injury list.
Jean-Philippe Mateta might be given a rest as Palace attempt to manage his persistent knee problem, potentially opening the door for Christantus Uche to start, while Jefferson Lerma, Justin Devenny and Jaydee Canvot could all earn places in the team.
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Benítez; Canvot, Lacroix, Guéhi; Clyne, Lerma, Wharton, Sosa; Devenny, Pino; Uche.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Score Prediction
Arsenal's higher quality and squad depth should propel them into the Carabao Cup semifinals, with Arteta still having plenty of options available if he chooses to rotate his team. The Gunners excel at winning tight, low-scoring matches and will back themselves to neutralize a depleted Palace offensive unit.
The Eagles appear fatigued and their 4–1 loss to Leeds highlighted their struggles during this punishing fixture run. Only two days separated their draw with KuPS and the visit to Elland Road, with just another three days between the Leeds defeat and the trip to Arsenal.
It should prove too difficult a task for Glasner's team on Tuesday.