A piece of silverware that has long eluded both sides shines in the distance as Arsenal prepare to host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium for the EFL Cup quarter-final on Wednesday. The Eagles have never reached the final of this competition – it’s their first place in the last 16 since 2002-03 – while many Arsenal fans will never have seen their team lift a trophy they last won in 1993.
The Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways after back-to-back draws in the Premier League and know they face a tricky test from Oliver Glasner. Although the picture is not very interesting in south London, with only one defeat since October 27, this is a team which is taking some form. As they move further away from the relegation zone, perhaps now is the time for a cup run.
Displaying information
- Date: Wednesday December 18 | Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium – London
- Live broadcast: Paramount+
- Odds: Arsenal-225; Draw +340; Crystal Palace +650
Team News
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta was usually brief in addressing the latest comings and goings around his squad, but confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori did not recover from their respective injuries in time to feature. This opens the door for Myles Lewis-Skelly extending his run at left-back, but on the opposite flank, is it time for Jurrien Timber, who has featured in every game since the international break, to be rested?
There could also be questions over the availability of new father Martin Odegaard, replaced in the draw with Everton, especially as Declan Rice is available. “We have managed the team in the best way possible to make sure everyone is fit and available, feels part of it and is ready when the team needs them,” Arteta said. “If we have to make changes I’m sure the boys coming in will have it and others will have to play too because of the numbers.”
Possible Arsenal XI: Kingdom; Wood, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, rice, merino; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Crystal Palace: It could be an unchanged XI for Glasner, who received good news regarding the fitness of key strikers Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze, both of whom were released an hour after Palace’s 3-1 win at Brighton on Sunday . “JP (Mateta) is fine,” the manager said. “We’ll make the final decision tomorrow with Eze, but it’s looking pretty good.” This leaves Adam Wharton still out for the next few weeks while Daniel Munoz is expected to miss his suspension. Eddie Nketiah will also be hoping to feature on his return to the Emirates Stadium.
“It’s a cup quarter-final,” Glasner said of his team selection. “In every match we call the fittest team and tomorrow will be the same. If anyone is tired, they will have a break to rest.”
Palace XI possible: Henderson; Lacroix, Guéhi, Chalobah; Clyne, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Èze
Prediction
Arsenal have played well enough to get results in the last few games. Victory should come this time. TAKE: Arsenal 2, Crystal Palace 0
