Mikel Arteta has made five significant changes to Arsenal’s lineup as they prepare to face Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
After drawing their last two Premier League matches against Fulham and Everton, Arsenal are eager to get back to winning ways in a competition where they’ve already defeated Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End.
This match against Crystal Palace, however, presents their toughest challenge in the tournament to date.
Arteta’s changes include Jakub Kiwior and Mikel Merino joining the starting XI as he looks to address recent performance inconsistencies.
While Arsenal’s progress has been steady, Palace poses a serious threat, having shown strong form recently.
Managed by Oliver Glasner, Palace has eliminated Norwich City, QPR, and Aston Villa to reach the quarter-finals. They’ve also earned impressive results against Manchester City and Brighton, establishing themselves as a formidable opponent.
Arsenal’s squad rotation is influenced by a congested fixture schedule and ongoing injury concerns, with key players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu unavailable, limiting Arteta’s options. These absences have led to tactical adjustments, focusing on a balance between defensive solidity and attacking fluidity.
David Raya is expected to start in goal, while William Saliba is likely to partner Kiwior in central defense, with Gabriel Magalhães getting a rest. Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly are set to play as full-backs.
In midfield, Jorginho will play as the deep-lying playmaker, flanked by Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri. This setup aims to provide both energy and creativity, while controlling the game against Palace’s high press.
The attacking lineup will likely feature Raheem Sterling on the right wing, offering fresh legs while Bukayo Saka is rested. Leandro Trossard will start on the left wing, adding versatility and a direct goal threat. Gabriel Jesus will lead the attack, with Kai Havertz available from the bench.
Arteta’s formation could shift to a 4-3-3, providing flexibility in both defense and attack.
Crystal Palace’s strength lies in their counter-attacking ability, which will test Arsenal’s defense. With Saliba and Kiwior tasked with maintaining composure, Arsenal must be wary of quick transitions, especially after Palace’s recent wins over Brighton and Hove Albion, where they capitalized on defensive lapses.
Jesus’ pressing and physicality will be key to breaking down Palace’s defense, while Sterling and Trossard can exploit space out wide. The experience of Jorginho and Saliba will also be crucial in managing the pressure of a knockout game.
This quarter-final is a critical moment for Arsenal, not just for advancing in the competition but also to regain momentum and refine tactical approaches for upcoming challenges. Arteta’s fresh lineup, blending youth and experience, aims to dominate possession, create opportunities, and stay resilient against a well-organized Palace side.
For Crystal Palace, this match is another opportunity to showcase their progress under Glasner. Their ability to challenge strong teams has been proven, and they will look to test Arsenal’s depth and adaptability. However, Arteta’s tactical changes and the support of the home crowd could give Arsenal the edge in their quest to keep their silverware hopes alive.
