The final place in the 2025–26 EFL Cup semi-finals will be decided on Tuesday evening when London rivals Arsenal and Crystal Palace face off at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal reached the quarter-finals by overcoming Port Vale and Brighton and Hove Albion, while Crystal Palace booked their spot with victories over Millwall and record winners Liverpool as they continue their push for silverware.
It has been more than three decades since Arsenal last lifted the EFL Cup, winning it in 1987 and again in 1993, long before any member of the current first-team squad was even born. Now, however, a return to Wembley is within reach once more. The competition has largely been dominated in recent years by Manchester City and Liverpool, clubs blessed with exceptional squad depth, but Arsenal’s heavy investment in the summer has put them in a similar position, even if injuries continue to test Mikel Arteta’s options.
This is the fourth time in the last six seasons that Arsenal have reached the quarter-final stage, and they have progressed from this point in two of their last three attempts. Those runs ultimately ended in semi-final disappointment, but the Gunners will be hoping this campaign leads further.
Tuesday’s cup tie comes amid a strong spell of form in the league. Arsenal strengthened their grip on top spot with a 1-0 win away at Everton on Saturday, a result that confirmed they would spend Christmas Day at the summit. That victory extended their winning run in all competitions to three matches, and their home form has been especially formidable, with 11 wins from 12 games this season, including nine in a row at the Emirates.
Among those victories was a narrow league win over Crystal Palace in October, decided by a goal from former Eagle Eberechi Eze. Palace bounced back impressively just days later by dismantling a youthful Liverpool side 3-0 in the previous round, keeping alive hopes of claiming a third trophy in a year following their FA Cup and Community Shield successes.
However, the strain of competing on multiple fronts is beginning to show for Oliver Glasner’s side. Palace arrive in north London without a win in their last three matches across all competitions and have lost their last two league games. A spirited 2-2 draw in the Conference League offered some encouragement, but their first-choice players were then heavily beaten 4-1 by Leeds United at the weekend, leaving them having conceded nine goals in their last three outings.
Recent history also leans in Arsenal’s favour. The Gunners knocked Palace out at this same stage of the competition last season with a dramatic 3-2 win inspired by a Gabriel Jesus hat-trick. Another victory on Tuesday would set up a semi-final showdown with Chelsea and move Arsenal one step closer to ending their long wait for EFL Cup glory.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal’s injury situation remains unchanged heading into the quarter final, with Mikel Arteta still unable to call on Max Dowman, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White, all of whom continue to recover from their respective issues.
Despite the competition reaching a decisive stage, rotation is still expected. Gabriel Jesus, who was the hero in last season’s quarter final, could be handed his first start since January, potentially replacing weekend match winner Viktor Gyokeres.
Several other players are pushing for opportunities, including Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Myles Lewis Skelly, while youngster Joshua Nichols could also be in line for a rare outing after making his debut in this competition against Bolton Wanderers last year.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are being stretched by a growing list of absentees. Ismaila Sarr is unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, while right back Daniel Munoz and midfield linchpin Daichi Kamada are sidelined with knee and thigh injuries. Rio Cardines, Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha and Chadi Riad are also ruled out.
Jean Philippe Mateta remains a concern because of a knee problem, and Oliver Glasner may choose not to risk him, instead offering Christantus Uche a starting role. Further rotation could see the likes of Walter Benitez, Borna Sosa, Jefferson Lerma and Jaydee Canvot come into the side as Palace manage their stretched resources.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Kepa; Nichols, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Merino; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Benitez; Richards, Guehi, Canvot; Clyne, Lerma, Wharton, Sosa; Pino, Devenny; Uche
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
