Key events
Arsenal, even with eight changes to their XI, have some bench. We could see a game that matches the rhythm of the quarter-final last year, with Palace beginning well before Arteta’s substitutions changed the tune.
Crystal Palace haven’t reached the semi-finals of the League Cup since 2012; Tom Heaton was Cardiff’s hero on penalties as they progressed to the final against Liverpool.
Arsenal have had more joy but haven’t won this trophy since … 1993. Paul Merson and Steve Morrow scored the goals in a 2-1 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.
Ed Aarons reflected on Palace’s heavy workload in his preview.
Arsenal look radically different from the side that beat Everton, while Oliver Glasner makes just three changes to his Palace team. Gabriel Jesus makes his first start since January and it’s his 100th appearance for the Gunners, too. Mikel Merino is Arsenal’s captain as Eberechi Eze lines up against his old pals.
Dean Henderson is the big Palace name left on the bench, with Argentina’s Walter Benítez taking the gloves.
The teams
Arsenal: Arrizabala, Timber, Saliba, Calali, Lewis-Skely, Nørgaard, Merino, Merino, Eze, Martelli, Maduke, Maduke, Christ
Subs: Ayeah, Salmon, Zubindi, Rice, Ødegaar, Nwanard, Trossad, Gykeard, Gykeres
Crystal Palace: Blessed, Singing, Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi, Mitchell, Wharton, Lerma, Pine, Nketiah.
Subs: Henderson, Uche, Clyne, Hughes, Esse, Sosa, Rodney, Devenny, Drakes-Thomas
Preamble
Hello, hello, hello: it’s time for some festive Carabao content and I can’t help but think of Marty McFly: hey, hey, I’ve seen this one, I’ve seen this one – this is a classic!
Yep, Arsenal hosted Palace a year ago in this very tournament, in the very same round. From 1-0 down at half-time, Arsenal roared back with a 3-2 victory, courtesy of a Gabriel Jesus hat-trick. A lot has happened since: Palace have won their first major trophy, Jesus has just returned from an ACL injury and Eberechi Eze has joined the other side.
While Palace have grown in stature, their task this evening remains lofty. This’ll be their third match in six days – European commitments taking their toll – against a side they’ve lost seven out of their last eight. But, then again, Oliver Glasner likes making history.
For Arsenal supporters, the Carabao may feel a touch small-fry when you’re top of the table and dominating in the Champions League. But, for all of their progress, five years have passed since winning their only proper trophy under Mikel Arteta. A cup final win in March would be the perfect way to begin the season run-in. Kick-off’s at 8pm GMT.
