EFL Cup: Arsenal challenge Crystal Palace in pre-Christmas QF

Arsenal ensured they will spend the Christmas holidays at the top of the Premier League with Saturday's win at Hill Dickinson Stadium. But there is no room for rest and celebration for the faithful Mikel Arteta's virtually none, because tomorrow they face Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals. Despite the fact that this is „only“ a cup game, we are still talking about a quarter-final and a little London derby. The fans of both teams are undoubtedly taking the match seriously, as confirmed by the completely sold-out Emirates Stadium. I firmly believe that the players will take the same approach to the game. At the same time, I hope that the Arsenal players will make the upcoming holidays a little more enjoyable with their performance and the result. Now let's move on together to everything important that is good to know before the London battle between the Gunners and the Eagles.

Form

Arsenal in recent games, at least in terms of results, are slowly starting to get back to where they were before the recent run of worse results. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are not doing well at all at the moment, or rather in the second half of December. As for the Gunners, I'll be more brief today. I discussed the form of Mikel Arteta's team in my last blog in quite some depth. In the case of Crystal Palace, however, we look at the results in a little more detail.

Arsenal

I'll start with the last Arsenal game, which the north London footballers joined at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Although a slim 1-0 victory, which the Gunners also won thanks to a penalty Viktor Gyökeres, may not be convincing, so I dare say Arsenal took the three points. The most important thing, of course, is the three points, but I would like to highlight in particular the significantly improved performance compared to the previous game against Wolverhampton. Arsenal basically controlled the game the whole game and could have won by a bigger margin if Leandro Trossard or Martín Zubimendi they were aiming a few inches more accurately. Both of their shots in the second half hit the left post of Jordan Pickford's goal. The only time Everton came close, but far from equalising, was a foul by William Saliba in the penalty area, but to my amazement referee Sam Barrott let it go unnoticed. So no penalty was kicked against Arsenal. Of course, I'm glad Arsenal won the game, but the performance of the English referees never ceases to amaze me in a negative sense.

Now just a quickie. Arsenal's record over the last five competitive games is starting to look sympathetic again, four wins and one defeat. To this I would like to add that the three wins in a row is a positive thing. Hopefully Arsenal will extend their winning streak against Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace, as a participant in the European Conference League, is one of the teams with the most packed calendar. During December, Oliver Glasner's charges have already played six competitive matches, which is one more than Arsenal. I don't think anyone will mind if we take an exclusive look the last six instead of five games for the south London team.

Let me start with the balance sheet, which at first glance looks quite positive. Six games played, three wins, one draw and two defeats. Why is just looking at the numbers not enough? All three of Crystal Palace's wins came at the start of the month. In the next three games, the Eagles' record went steeply downhill. Firstly, Crystal Palace players failed to beat Manchester City at Selhurst Park, to whom they lost by a class difference of 0:3. However, the Austrian manager's charges subsequently only drew 2-2 at home to Finnish outsiders KuPS in the Conference Europa League. The Crystal Palace players capped off a disappointing week in the last league round, in which they were beaten 1:4 at Elland Road by newcomer Leeds.

In the longer term, Crystal Palace are doing very well. Oliver Glasner's team is solid in the Premier League 8th place, the Eagles are up in the European Conference League table in 10th place, which means advancing (although not directly to the eight finals) to the next stage of the competition. Crystal Palace is even the biggest favourite to win the competition in the eyes of the bookmakers. I probably don't even need to mention the EFL Cup given the topic of today's blog.

Bottom line, Crystal Palace's long-term form is solid, but the current one is well below the team's capabilities.

Team and expected line-up

Arsenal's busy schedule could be over before the end of the year Mikel Arteta should have taken into account when selecting his lineup. The Spanish manager is not one of those who like to tinker with the lineup more than necessary, but this time I think we will see relatively enough changes in the lineup. Especially in the offensive line. The main reason is the crowded match calendar, another reason is the fact that it is a cup match. Although it is already a quarter-final, the EFL Cup is the third most prestigious cup in England (behind the Premier League and the FA Cup).

I would like to remind you here that the expected lineup you can see in the picture is not the lineup I would choose myself. Honestly, my preferred lineup would hardly differ, but I would make at least one change. I'd love to see the starting lineup Ethan Nwaneri. Maybe Mikel Arteta will surprise me and send the English youngster on the pitch from the first minute, but unfortunately I don't think so. He will most likely be in the number ten position against his former team Eberechi Eze, while the right edge of the backup gets priority Noni Madueke. I can't imagine Nwaneri anywhere else in the lineup. If the situation is favourable, the English teenager could appear on the pitch, otherwise his more experienced teammates will probably get priority. Otherwise, I more or less agree with the expected changes. I would certainly be in favour of more rotation in the defensive four, but the Spanish manager doesn't have much choice there at the moment.

I'll get right on with the defensive absences. Three defensemen will definitely miss the game Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White. It will also continue to be missing Kai Havertz, who is getting closer to his return to full training every day. Today, it's worth remembering that the young Max Dowman, who would probably not have missed the nomination for the cup match otherwise.

About the opponent

It's not even two months since I wrote blog about the league match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, in which I have traditionally discussed the Crystal Palace team. Since nothing much has changed in the Selhurst Park team in that time, I'll skip this section today. You can find all the information you need in the aforementioned blog.

The only extra things I'd like to add today are information regarding currently missing players. A noticeable loss for Oliver Glasner's team is the absence of Daniela Muñoz, who has been nursing a knee injury for several weeks. The Japanese midfielder will also not appear at the Emirates Stadium due to health reasons. Daichi Kamadais having muscle problems for a change. Furthermore, one of the biggest drivers of Crystal Palace's offense at the moment will be missing, Ismaila Sarr. The Senegalese footballer is fulfilling his national team duties at the Africa Cup of Nations. Of the regulars, he is out for a long time with a knee injury Cheick Doucouré.

Match

Despite a demanding schedule and expected changes to the Arsenal line-up the home side will be clear favourites for the EFL Cup quarter-finals. Mikel Arteta, despite several absences, has really a broad and, most importantly, quality cadre, which should show on the field. All the more so when Crystal Palace are also struggling with a similarly demanding schedule and significant absences. That's not to say that Oliver Glasner doesn't have enough quality in his squad, of course, he certainly doesn't, but in terms of the breadth of the squad there is a significant difference between the two sides. Arsenal's current form should play into their hands, which the Gunners also have much better than their London neighbour. A significant advantage for Arsenal players will be home environment of the sold-out Emirates.

Based on what I wrote a few lines above, the match itself should be directed by the home players. I expect a typical game in which Arsenal will keep the ball in the opponent's half, players will constantly exchange the ball and positions and wait for a gap in the opponent's defence. Given the highly probable changes in the starting line-up, Arsenal's game might not be as fluid, but maybe Mikel Arteta's charges will convince us otherwise. It will certainly be interesting to watch some players who have been fighting for a spot in the starting lineup for a long time. This is also one of the reasons why I think the game will be high tempo and quality. Oliver Glasner's game plan, in my opinion, will be based on two pillars, deep defending and quick transition after winning the ball.

Having managed to get tickets for Arsenal's league game against Wolverhampton two weeks ago, I'm heading to the Emirates Stadium this time too. That's why my desire for a flawless performance and a convincing victory is again a little bit higher than usual. I believe that not only me, but also all other fans of the North London team will not be disappointed by Arsenal footballers and will reach the semi-finals. I predict Arsenal to win 3:1.

Next match

Arsenal have two more games before the end of the calendar year, both in the Premier League and both at home. The first will be match against Brighton, scheduled for Saturday 27 December 2025 at 16:00 (CET). The Gunners will finish 2025 with a match against Aston Villa, who have a lot to give back from their recent defeat. But more on that later.

See you next time, I'll look forward to it!

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