Two London-based teams are vying for a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals this evening as Arsenal entertain Crystal Palace.
Tonight’s game is the first part of a doubleheader between the two sides as they face each other at the weekend in the Premier League.
The Gunners will be looking to respond after they failed to score against a resolute Everton defence in a 0-0 draw on Saturday.
Declan Rice will be assessed to determine his fitness after he picked up a knock. The match comes too soon for Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while second-choice goalkeeper Neto is cup-tied.
Palace will be in a jubilant mood after they triumphed over fierce rivals Brighton with a 3-1 away victory. Oliver Glasner is still without Adam Wharton who is recovering from a groin issue.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
Form
Arsenal: WWDWD
The draw with Everton made it eight games unbeaten, but Mikel Arteta will be frustrated his side couldn’t capitalise on Liverpool dropping points.
Offensively, Arsenal didn’t manage to fashion any presentable opportunities despite having 77% of the possession.
After Chelsea beat Brentford, the gap between the second-placed Blues and the Gunners extended to four points.
Our Wilo ❤️
Congratulations on being nominated for the Best FIFA Men’s 11 team 📋 pic.twitter.com/9hKUwX8pvZ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 17, 2024
In recent weeks, Arteta has been criticised for the lack of silverware his tenure has brought with a pragmatic approach perceived as stifling the team. This competition provides an achievable avenue to silence the critics, but Arsenal haven’t lifted this trophy since 1993.
Crystal Palace: DDWDW
After a torrid start to the campaign, Palace have turned the tide in South London with only one loss in their last seven games.
During that period, the Eagles have won significant away battles at Ipswich Town and rivals Brighton. Oliver Glasner’s side dominated the Seagulls on Sunday with Ismalia Sarr netting a brace.
Palace haven’t reached this stage of the competition since the 2011/12 season when they were eventually knocked out in the semi-finals by Cardiff City. They have already overcome Norwich City at home while edging out Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa on their travels.
What it’s all about 🥹#CPFC pic.twitter.com/zm6DKcihaT
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 16, 2024
Aside from the prospect of lifting their first-ever major trophy, winning the Carabao Cup also provides another attractive incentive. Three more wins in this competition and Crystal Palace would earn qualification for Europe for the first time in their history.
Last Meeting: Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace, Premier League, 20th January 2024
Arsenal comprehensively beat the Eagles back in January with a five-star display at the Emirates Stadium.
The hosts got off to a fast start and took the lead just past the ten-minute mark.
It came from a combination Arsenal fans have grown accustomed to in recent months as Declan Rice whipped a corner onto the head of Gabriel, who nodded past Dean Henderson.
Arsenal’s second was practically a mirror image of their first with Bukayo Saka this time taking the corner which was again met by Gabriel, who had bullied his way through the Palace defence before finding the net with his head. After the interval, the Gunners wrapped up the points as Gabriel Jesus found Leandro Trossard who kept his cool to find the top corner.
A dejected Palace concedeed two goals in stoppage time to compound their misery. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli produced two identical efforts within a minute of each other that summed up Roy Hodgson’s side’s fragility. With the visitors committing players forward, Martinelli was in acres of space on the left flank to slot in Arsenal’s fourth and fifth of the afternoon.
Palace fans were visibly frustrated at full-time as they protested the lack of ambition under Hodgson’s stewardship.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Saka, Sterling, Jesus.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Munoz, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Schlupp, Doucoure; Eze, Nketiah, Mateta.
Who is the referee?
Andy Madley will be the match official. He will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor while John Busby will be the fourth official. VAR will not be in operation.
What channel is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace on?
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW TV UK.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Emirates Stadium will be at 19:30 GMT on Wednesday 18th December 2024.
Odds
Arsenal – 4/9
Draw – 7/2
Crystal Palace – 6/1
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