Arsenal Face Crystal Palace as Eze Eyes Revenge Against His Former Club
Arsenal have the opportunity to secure a Carabao Cup semifinal clash against London rivals Chelsea by defeating fellow capital club Crystal Palace in Tuesday's quarterfinal encounter.
The Gunners are eager to break their trophy drought and capture their first major silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2020. Bukayo Saka remains the sole squad member from that Wembley victory over half a decade ago.
Arsenal's previous EFL Cup success came during the first-ever Premier League season in 1992–93, marking one of just two victories in this competition for the north London club. Arteta has the chance to become only the second manager following George Graham to deliver this specific trophy to Arsenal.
A weary Palace team blocks their path, though Arteta is anticipated to rotate his squad despite Tuesday's significance. Fortunately, following another substantial summer investment, the Spanish coach possesses remarkable squad depth for selection.
Here's his potential starting eleven just 28 hours prior to Christmas Day.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—Kepa has featured in only two competitive matches since joining Arsenal, both coming in the Carabao Cup. He was among Chelsea's substitutes during Arteta's sole major final with the Gunners in 2020.
RB: Jurriën Timber—With Ben White unavailable due to injury and young Josh Nichols unlikely to be thrown into action, Timber may be required to start once more on Tuesday. He has already accumulated 23 appearances for the Gunners this season.
CB: William Saliba—Injuries to Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera ensure Saliba will feature against Palace, with the Frenchman having recently recovered from his own fitness concerns. A potential matchup with former colleague Eddie Nketiah awaits, alongside duels with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Christantus Uche.
CB: Piero Hincapié—The summer signing has started six consecutive matches for Arsenal and has shown promise since being introduced to the starting lineup.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—The left-back position could see rotation against the Eagles. Riccardo Calafiori might receive crucial rest, opening the door for young Lewis-Skelly's return to the team.
DM: Christian Nørgaard—Nørgaard featured as a center-back in his previous start for the Gunners against Club Brugge, but should revert to midfield duties against Palace. The reliable 31-year-old was acquired precisely for these situations.
DM: Mikel Merino—With Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus returning to full fitness, Merino is expected to resume his favored midfield position in upcoming fixtures. Regardless of his role, the Spaniard offers attacking danger from set pieces and general play.
AM: Eberechi Eze—Eze netted the decisive goal in Arsenal's victory over the Eagles in the Premier League during October, and the former Palace playmaker is prepared to trouble his old club again.
RW: Noni Madueke—Madueke delivered a spectacular strike against Club Brugge in his last start, concluding the Belgian trip with his maiden Arsenal double. He has watched from the sidelines during recent victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton.
ST: Gabriel Jesus—Arteta confirmed Jesus is prepared to make his first start in nearly a year and praised the Brazilian's contributions both with and without the ball. He will be eager for his first goal since New Year's Day 2025.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—The Brazilian has delivered his finest displays during midweek Champions League fixtures this season, with Arsenal hoping his Tuesday evening excellence can carry over to the Carabao Cup.
