Arsenal vs Crystal Palace preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Confidence is flowing in North London, while Palace arrive searching for stability amid a demanding festive schedule.

Arsenal secured the perfect early Christmas present at the weekend, edging Everton 1-0 to guarantee they will sit top of the Premier League on Christmas Day. 

That victory extended Mikel Arteta’s side’s winning run to three matches across all competitions and underlined their growing ability to grind out results when required.

Despite juggling commitments on four fronts this season, the EFL Cup has not been Arsenal’s strongest competition in recent years. 

The Gunners have not reached the final since 2017-18, although their formidable home form suggests another deep run is well within reach. 

They have now won nine successive matches at the Emirates this season, and progression here would set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Chelsea.

History also leans in Arsenal’s favour, with the hosts winning ten of their last 12 matches played on a Tuesday. 

Having already navigated their way to the quarter-finals for the fourth time in six seasons, Arteta’s men appear well placed to repeat last season’s semi-final appearance.

Crystal Palace, by contrast, are beginning to show signs of fatigue after an intense December schedule. 

Oliver Glasner’s decision to rotate heavily has yet to yield consistent results, and that was brutally exposed in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat away to Leeds, where a completely changed starting XI struggled to cope.

The Eagles are now without a win in three matches across all competitions (D1, L2), conceding nine goals during that spell. 

While they will take encouragement from having won five of their last seven away fixtures, cohesion remains a concern as they chase a first EFL Cup semi-final since the 2011-12 campaign.

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Arsenal have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, remaining unbeaten across the last eight meetings with Palace (W7, D1). 

That run includes last season’s dramatic 3-2 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory at the Emirates, inspired by a Gabriel Jesus hat-trick.

Arsenal remain without Max Dowman (ankle), Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh), Kai Havertz (knee), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) and Ben White (hamstring) all remain sidelined.

Rotation is expected, but Arteta is still likely to field a strong XI given the stakes.

Crystal Palace are without AFCON-bound Ismaila Sarr, alongside Daniel Munoz and Daichi Kamada.

Rio Cardines, Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha and Chadi Riad are also unavailable, while Jean-Philippe Mateta is doubtful.

Arsenal: Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli

Crystal Palace: Benitez; Richards, Guehi, Canvot; Clyne, Lerma, Wharton, Sosa; Pino, Devenny; Uche

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With Arsenal’s home dominance, superior depth and strong recent record against Palace, the hosts look well placed to book their spot in the last four. 

Palace may threaten on transitions, but their defensive issues and injury list could prove decisive.

Correct score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

Betting tips:

Arsenal to win

Arsenal to keep a clean sheet

Under 3.5 total goals