Arsenal will attempt to secure a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the second year running when they welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium this evening. The quarter-final clash offers the Gunners a chance to continue their strong recent form against a Palace side struggling defensively.
Match Details and How to Watch for Free
The crucial last-eight tie is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, with kick-off at 8pm UK time. For supporters in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1, available free-to-air. The game can also be streamed live at no cost via the ITVX platform.
Additional coverage will be provided on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, though access to these channels requires a valid subscription.
Team News: Injuries and Expected Rotations
Mikel Arteta is contending with several absentees for this cup fixture. Arsenal will be without Max Dowman (ankle), Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh), Kai Havertz (knee), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), and Ben White (hamstring).
With a busy schedule in mind, squad rotation is anticipated. Key midfielder Declan Rice, who has featured heavily this season, is likely to be rested. Gabriel Jesus could lead the attack in place of Viktor Gyokeres, and several academy prospects are expected to be included in the matchday squad.
For the visitors, manager Oliver Glasner faces a significant injury crisis. Palace are missing Ismaila Sarr due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, while key players Daniel Munoz and Daichi Kamada are out with knee and thigh problems respectively.
The injury list extends to Rio Cardines (muscle), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Caleb Kporha (back), and Chadi Riad (knee). There are also concerns over striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is being managed carefully as he returns from a knee issue.
Form Guide and Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal approach the match in confident mood, having strung together three consecutive victories against Everton, Wolves, and Club Brugge. Their recent record against Palace is formidable, winning seven of the last eight encounters.
This includes a 1-0 Premier League win in October, courtesy of a goal from former Eagle Eberechi Eze, and a 3-2 victory at this exact stage of the League Cup last season. Other dominant wins in recent years include a 5-1 triumph in December 2024 and a 5-0 result in January 2024.
In stark contrast, Crystal Palace's form has dipped alarmingly. The South London club have conceded nine goals in their last three outings, suffering heavy defeats to Manchester City and Leeds, and being held to a draw by KuPS.
Palace's last victory over Arsenal came in April 2022, a 3-0 win at Selhurst Park. Overall, they have managed just two wins in their past 15 meetings with the North London giants.
With a semi-final spot at stake, Arsenal will be strong favourites to progress, especially given their home advantage and Palace's lengthy injury list. However, the unique pressure of a cup quarter-final often produces surprises, setting the stage for a compelling contest under the lights at the Emirates.
