Arsenal and Crystal Palace are battling for the final spot in the EFL Cup semi-finals in a fixture rescheduled by the latter’s participation in the Europa Conference League last Thursday.
Tomorrow night’s victor at the Emirates will play a two-legged tie against Chelsea, so another London derby is guaranteed.
This marks the start of a hectic festive period for both clubs, and the managers’ use of the squads may very well prove to be the key to success.
So, check out our full Arsenal vs Crystal Palace preview, complete with online betting tips based on our latest array of football odds.
And over the festive period, make sure to have a look at our Xmas Wheel of Sportune promotion, with daily prizes up for grabs.
Where can I watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace in the UK?
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Preview
Recent results
Arsenal picked up a crucial 1-0 win at Everton last Saturday evening, while Palace slipped to a shock 4-1 loss at Leeds.
The Eagles are now winless in three following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City and a 2-2 vs KuPS in the Europa Conference League – which means Oliver Glasner’s men will have to parktake in the play-offs of that competition.
In contrast, Arsenal are on a three-match winning streak after other victories over Club Brugge (0-3) and Wolves (2-1), though Mikel Arteta’s side did lose 2-1 to Aston Villa at the start of the month.
However, the Gunners’ home record this season is terrifyingly good, with seven wins from eight in the Premier League and only three goals conceded – with Palace losing 1-0 at the Emirates back in October.
Head-to-head record
Arsenal’s aforementioned 1-0 win, secured by a strike from ex-Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, was their seventh victory in eight vs the Eagles across all competitions.
Glasner’s side did draw 2-2 at the Emirates last season in the league, but slipped to a 3-2 defeat in North London when the sides ironically met at this stage of the EFL Cup in December 2024.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in both of those games, so he is a player the Arsenal defence will be very wary of indeed.
Team news
Arsenal’s injury issues are beginning to improve, though Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Kai Havertz and Max Dowman are unavailable here.
Palace are also struggling with key absentees ahead of this fixture. Daichi Kamada and Daniel Munoz are out, while Ismaila Sarr has jetted off to AFCON with Senegal.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Arsenal are big favourites to win this one, priced at just 1.56. A Palace win is at odds of 6.20, while the draw is 4.10.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Gabriel Jesus @ 2.60
We expect Viktor Gyokeres to be given a rest ahead of the upcoming Premier League fixtures, and this feels the perfect game to reintroduce Jesus from the start. The Brazilian has looked sharp on his appearances from the bench in the last three, and as you may recall, he scored a hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Palace in last season’s EFL Cup. Oh, and Jesus then scored two more goals at Selhurst Park in a 5-1 win three days later, so it is safe to say he likes playing the Eagles!
Anytime goalscorer double chance – Gabriel Jesus OR Mikel Merino @ 1.74
But if you are less confident than us when it comes to Jesus finding the back of the net, this looks a far safer option. Even if he is deployed on the left of the midfield three, Merino remains a huge threat in the final third with his late runs into the box, and he has five goals across all competitions this season.
Player to score or assist – Noni Madueke @ 2.12
Can you tell we fancy Arsenal to take this game by the scruff of the neck? With Palace looking wounded, both in terms of results and injuries, this game looks tailor-made for a Gunners masterclass at a stadium where they rarely show signs of weakness. Madueke is competing with Bukayo Saka for the right-wing berth in the squad, so knows he must take any opportunity offered to him. Over to you, Noni!
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