Arsenal return to cup action on Tuesday night knowing that form counts for little in a knockout competition as they host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners arrive with momentum on their side after grinding out a vital Premier League win at Everton to remain top of the table, but this fixture presents a different kind of challenge amid a demanding run of games across competitions.
Mikel Arteta’s side have shown in recent weeks that the physical and mental toll of Europe is beginning to surface, yet they have continued to find ways to win when rhythm and fluency have been lacking.
That ability to manage games and take key moments has sustained Arsenal’s title tilt, but the Carabao Cup offers no safety net and no room for hesitation.
Unlike league football, this is a one-off contest where control can be fleeting and momentum can swing quickly, regardless of recent form.
Arsenal do, however, hold a clear advantage in squad depth, a factor that could prove decisive given the demands of the current schedule.
Despite injuries limiting their options in defence, Arteta can still rotate across midfield and attack without a significant drop in quality.
Players on the fringes of the starting eleven are likely to be trusted again, with performances rather than reputations expected to determine selection.
Crystal Palace arrive in north London stretched both physically and numerically after a punishing sequence of domestic and European fixtures.
Oliver Glasner’s side have shown signs of fatigue in recent outings, conceding heavily and struggling to maintain cohesion as rotation has become unavoidable.
Their Conference League commitments have compounded those issues, leaving little recovery time and forcing Glasner into difficult selection calls.
That said, Palace cannot be dismissed lightly, particularly in cup competition where structure and intensity can compensate for tired legs.
Under Glasner, they have already shown an ability to raise their level against stronger opponents, even when results have fluctuated.
The Eagles also take confidence from recent cup performances, having already eliminated strong opposition earlier in the competition.
Arsenal are well aware of Palace’s threat, having faced them in competitive and tense encounters in recent seasons.
With Wembley now just two wins away, motivation will not be lacking on either side.
For Arsenal, this tie represents an opportunity to keep multiple fronts alive while managing the strain of a congested calendar.
For Palace, it is a chance to defy fatigue and depth concerns with one committed performance.
In a match where margins will be fine and energy may dictate momentum, Arsenal’s greater depth and adaptability could ultimately be the difference.