Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

The festive football schedule brings a high-stakes London derby to the Emirates Stadium tonight, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, as Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.¹

With a place in the semi-finals against Chelsea on the line, both sides are looking to cap off their Christmas period with silverware ambitions.² Arsenal currently sits at the top of the Premier League table, while Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace is hoping to rebound from a bruising 4-1 defeat at Leeds over the weekend.³

Match Details

• Competition: Carabao Cup Quarter-Final

   

• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT⁵

   

   

• Venue: Emirates Stadium, London⁶

   

   

• Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event / ITV1 (UK)⁷

   

   

Team News & Projected Lineups

Arsenal: Rotating from the Top

Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad, though injuries in defense may force him to play a stronger backline than originally planned.⁸ The biggest story is Eberechi Eze set to start against his former club following his high-profile move to North London.⁹ Gabriel Jesus is also expected to lead the line as he returns to full fitness.¹⁰

• Injuries/Absences: Ben White (Hamstring), Kai Havertz (Knee), Gabriel Magalhães (Thigh - Doubt), Cristhian Mosquera (Ankle).¹¹

   

   

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.¹²

   

   

Crystal Palace: Navaging an Injury Crisis

The "Eagles" are struggling with a thin squad due to a relentless schedule that included Europa Conference League travel.¹³ They will also be without Ismaïla Sarr, who has departed for AFCON duty with Senegal.¹⁴

• Injuries/Absences: Daichi Kamada (Hamstring), Daniel Muñoz (Knee), Cheick Doucouré (Knee), Ismaïla Sarr (AFCON), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Knee - Doubt).¹⁵

   

   

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Benitez; Richards, Guehi, Canvot; Clyne, Lerma, Wharton, Sosa; Pino, Devenny; Uche.¹⁶

   

   

Tactical Analysis: Control vs. Counter

Arsenal’s Fluidity

Arsenal’s current system focuses on central overloads and quick switches to the wings. With Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli providing elite 1v1 threat, Palace's wing-backs will be pinned back. The addition of Christian Norgaard in midfield provides a tactical safety net, allowing Mikel Merino and Eze to push high into the "half-spaces."

Palace’s Low Block

Oliver Glasner will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, sitting in a 5-4-1 mid-block to deny Arsenal space behind. Palace’s best hope lies in the set-piece delivery of Borna Sosa and the aerial presence of Marc Guehi or Christantus Uche during transitions. Having already knocked Liverpool out of this competition 3-0 at Anfield, they have proven they can kill off giants on their day.¹⁷

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

Arsenal has dominated this fixture recently, winning four of the last five encounters.

Match Prediction

Arsenal is in formidable form, having won their last nine home games in a row.¹⁸ While Crystal Palace has a knack for "Cup Magic," their current injury list and travel fatigue make this a daunting task. Expect Arsenal’s superior bench strength—likely including Viktor Gyökeres if needed—to be the difference.

Final Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace