Prediction: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 8/19

Bookmaker: BetUS

Arsenal and Crystal Palace kick off their London doubleheader at the Emirates on Wednesday evening, with a coveted spot in the EFL Cup semifinals on the line.

The Eagles head into the clash with momentum, having secured a convincing 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in their last Premier League outing. In contrast, the Gunners were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Everton.

Arsenal

Another Premier League gameweek saw Liverpool drop points, yet Arsenal once again failed to take advantage. After squandering the opportunity to capitalize on the leaders’ postponed Merseyside derby two weeks ago, Mikel Arteta’s side found no way past Everton’s resolute defence last weekend.

An inspired performance from Jordan Pickford in goal helped a disciplined and well-rested Everton frustrate the Gunners and escape the Emirates with a hard-earned point, despite offering little in attack themselves.

The gap to Liverpool at the top remains six points, but it could stretch to nine if the Reds win their game in hand. Arteta now faces renewed scrutiny following another pale attacking display from his previously ruthless squad.

However, Arsenal’s firepower has shone in the Carabao Cup against lower-league opposition this season, with a 5-1 demolition of Bolton Wanderers in round three followed by a 3-0 victory over Preston North End in October, where Ethan Nwaneri’s stunning strike stole the show.

Despite their dominance in earlier rounds, the quarterfinals have historically been a stumbling block for Arsenal in this cup. The Gunners have been eliminated at this stage in seven of their last 10 attempts and have gone 31 years without claiming the competition’s trophy.

Team News

Mikel Arteta substituted both Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard shortly after the hour mark on Saturday, though the Arsenal boss later revealed that Rice had requested to come off due to a minor niggle, making a midweek rest likely for the midfielder.

Knee injuries will keep Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined, while goalkeeper Neto remains cup-tied. Doubts also linger over the availability of Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko, neither of whom featured against Everton.

As rotation looms, fringe players such as Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, and Jakub Kiwior are expected to feature. Meanwhile, the time may be right for Kieran Tierney to get a run-out, offering Myles Lewis-Skelly a well-earned rest following back-to-back starts.

Crystal Palace

While Arsenal’s recent League Cup history has been modest, Crystal Palace stand on the brink of matching their best-ever performance in the competition if they can upset Mikel Arteta’s men on Wednesday. The Eagles’ semifinal appearances in 1995, 2001, and 2012 remain their deepest runs in the competition to date.

Unlike the Gunners, Palace have already overcome Premier League opposition on their way to the quarterfinals, defeating Unai Emery’s Aston Villa 2-1 on the road in round four, following earlier wins over Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers.

Confidence may be faltering in Arsenal’s ranks, but Palace arrive at the Emirates brimming with momentum. Fresh off a 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Brighton – inspired by an Ismaila Sarr masterclass – the Eagles are now unbeaten in their last five Premier League outings. They also hold an identical unbeaten streak away from home in all competitions since their October loss to Nottingham Forest.

The midweek clash serves as a prelude to a Premier League derby between the two sides on Saturday, where Arsenal could secure a sixth consecutive win over Palace if they progress to the semifinals. Notably, Arteta’s side has emerged victorious in each of the last four encounters between the clubs.

Team News

Daniel Munoz’s fifth Premier League booking of the season will not affect his availability for this clash, as he will serve his suspension in the top flight instead. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner might also be buoyed by the potential returns of Joel Ward and Adam Wharton. While neither featured in the squad for the Brighton win – with Wharton recovering from a minor setback after surgery – both remain in contention for the quarterfinal.

However, Chadi Riad (fitness) and Matheus França (groin) are confirmed absentees, and Rob Holding remains sidelined due to disciplinary reasons, ruling out a meeting with his former club. On the other hand, two ex-Arsenal players, Matt Turner and Eddie Nketiah, could be given starting roles for this midweek showdown.

Conclusion

Glasner has shown no hesitation in fielding his strongest XI in the EFL Cup, taking advantage of the lack of European commitments. A well-drilled and settled Eagles side has the potential to frustrate an Arsenal team that has struggled with a lack of cutting edge in recent matches.

However, with Palace also needing to focus on their Premier League survival fight, Arsenal’s quality and depth should shine through. Even if it comes from one of their reliable set-pieces, the Gunners are tipped to find the decisive goal needed to secure a place in the semifinals.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 8/19

Bookmaker: BetUS