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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Prediction

EFL Carabao Cup Quarter-Final
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Emirates Stadium, London
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, with a place in the semi-finals and a potential showdown with Chelsea on the line. The Gunners come into this tie in confident mood after securing top spot in the Premier League at Christmas, while Palace arrive under pressure following a congested festive schedule and recent heavy defeat.

Arsenal Form & Standout Players

Mikel Arteta’s side continue to impress across competitions and are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Crystal Palace (W7 D1). Arsenal also boast a dominant home record against the Eagles, who have not won at the Emirates since 1994.

Arsenal Key Players (2025/26)

Top Goalscorer: Viktor Gyökeres (5 goals)
Most Assists: Declan Rice (3 assists)
Most Suspensions: Riccardo Calafiori (5)
Most Minutes Played: David Raya (1530’)

Gyökeres has quickly become Arsenal’s focal point in attack, while Raya has been ever present between the posts.

Arsenal Injuries & Absentees

Ben White – Hamstring injury (mid-January 2026)
Max Dowman – Ankle injury (early February 2026)
Cristhian Mosquera – Ankle injury (mid-January 2026)
Gabriel Magalhães – Muscle injury
Kai Havertz – Knee injury

Despite these absences, Arsenal’s squad depth allows Arteta to rotate without a major drop in quality.

Crystal Palace Form & Standout Players

Crystal Palace arrive in North London visibly fatigued after playing four matches in ten days, including European commitments. A recent 4-1 league defeat to Leeds underlined their defensive struggles, especially away from home.

Crystal Palace Key Players

Top Goalscorer: Jean-Philippe Mateta (7 goals)
Most Assists: Marc Guéhi (2 assists)
Most Suspensions: Daniel Muñoz (4)
Most Minutes Played: Dean Henderson (1530’)

Mateta remains Palace’s main attacking outlet, while Henderson has been heavily relied upon in goal.

Crystal Palace Injuries & Absentees

Ismaïla Sarr – Away on international duty
Daniel Muñoz – Knee injury (mid-January 2026)
Daichi Kamada – Hamstring injury (late February 2026)
Cheick Doucouré – Knee injury
Chadi Riad – Cruciate ligament injury (early January 2026)
Rio Cardines – Muscle injury (mid-January 2026)
Caleb Kporha – Back injury

The Eagles are expected to rely on youth and rotation due to limited options.

Head-to-Head Record

Arsenal are unbeaten in the last eight meetings with Palace
The Gunners have won seven of those encounters
Palace have failed to win at the Emirates in over 30 years
Over 2.5 goals has landed in four of the last five meetings

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal (Manager: Mikel Arteta) – 4-3-3

Predicted XI:
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Christian Nørgaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze; Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli

Key Men:

Gabriel Jesus – Cup specialist and goal threat
Eberechi Eze – Extra motivation against former club
Gabriel Martinelli – Pace and direct attacking threat

Crystal Palace (Manager: Oliver Glasner) – 3-4-2-1

Predicted XI:
Wálter Benítez; Chris Richards, Marc Guéhi, Maxence Lacroix; Nathaniel Clyne, Jefferson Lerma, Adam Wharton, Borna Sosa; Yéremy Pino, Justin Devenny; Christantus Uche

Key Men:

Adam Wharton – Midfield control
Yéremy Pino – Counter-attacking threat
Christantus Uche – Physical presence up front