Two former Gunners to start? Crystal Palace predicted XI against Arsenal
Two former Gunners to start? Crystal Palace predicted XI against Arsenal
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner can be expected to field a near full-strength team for Wednesday's EFL Cup quarter-final with Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Eagles' only three definite absentees at this stage are Chadi Riad (fitness), Matheus Franca (groin) and Rob Holding, who remains out in the cold after an apparent rift with Glasner.
While Holding will not return to Emirates turf on Wednesday, Glasner could promote two other erstwhile Gunners to the starting XI in the shape of cup goalkeeper Matt Turner and striker Eddie Nketiah.
The latter's only goal in 13 games for the Eagles so far came against Norwich City in the first round of the EFL Cup, but one cannot knock his work-rate, and there is every chance that he will be promoted to the starting lineup over regular number nine Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr - the man of the match in Sunday's 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion - should support Nketiah in his goalscoring quest, alongside regular wing-backs Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell.
Cheick Doucoure and Daichi Kamada are viable alternatives in midfield, but given the calibre of opposition, Glasner should stick with the established duo of Jefferson Lerma and the in-form Will Hughes.
The settled backline of Maxence Lacroix, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Guehi should also be seen from the first whistle, as was the case in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa in round four.
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Turner; Guehi, Chalobah, Lacroix; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Nketiah
> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this match