Arsenal vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Gunners look to progress as they host Carabao Cup quarter-final

Arsenal’s fading domestic title challenge is as a result of too much of a risk-free mindset and losing parts of what they were good at, in the eyes of former striker and club legend Thierry Henry.

The Gunners have dropped out of immediate contention at the top of the Premier League after a run of three wins in their last nine, with Mikel Arteta’s side thriving at set-piece situations but otherwise looking short of creativity and goalscoring avenues at times.

Henry pointed out that in comparison to league leaders Liverpool, Arsenal’s style was less impactful in the final third and less capable of finding solutions to the defences in their way, suggesting Arteta had much work on to get the team back to a point where they’d be among the challengers.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has made just one change to the side that beat Brighton last weekend, with Caleb Kporha coming in for the suspended Daniel Munoz at right wing-back.

Mikel Arteta has made six changes to the side that drew 0-0 to Everton last week. In defence, only Jurrien Timber remains, and he moves to centre-back, with Thomas Partey replacing William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior coming in for Gabriel. At left-back, Kieran Tierney comes in for Miles Lewis-Skelly.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard drop out for Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri, while up top there are also three changes – Saka, Havertz and Martinelli make way for Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal XI: Raya; Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard.

Subs: Setford, Saliba, Gabriel, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.

Palace XI: Henderson; Kporha, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.

Subs: Turner, Ward, Nketiah, Schlupp; Clyne, Kamada, Richards, Doucoure, Devenny.

The line-ups should be released soon, so here’s a reminder of the early team news.

For Mikel Arteta’s side, long-term absentees Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still out, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori will also miss the game. Declan Rice is also being assessed after coming off against Everton last week, while back-up ‘keeper Neto is cup-tied.

In his pre-match conference, Arteta gave little away regarding rotation, though some second-string players could come in in key positions. In defence, Jakub Kiwior and Miles Lewis-Skelly could feature, with Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino all in contention to start.

Palace will be without Daniel Munoz due to suspension after he was booked in the win over Brighton, while Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca remain out injured. Eberechi Eze will be assessed after suffering a swollen foot against the Seagulls.

Eddie Nketiah and Matt Turner could both feature against their former club

Mikel Arteta admitted the magic was missing as Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to edge closer to Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League following a “very disappointing” goalless draw with Everton.

Arsenal dominated Saturday’s fixture against Sean Dyche’s resilient Toffees at the Emirates, but the sluggish championship contenders were guilty of failing to create enough clear-cut chances.

Arsenal have now gone three consecutive matches in the league without scoring from open play, leaving them six points behind Liverpool – who drew 2-2 against Fulham – having played a game more. The full-time whistle was greeted with a smattering of boos inside a frustrated Emirates.

The draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals is near with the quarter-finals taking place this week.

Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup presenter Mark Chapman hosts the draw following coverage of the final last eight tie with former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp and former Manchester City forward Izzy Christiansen assisting with the draw.

There are, of course, three more ties taking place in the quarter-finals of this competition, with two more tonight and the final one tomorrow. A full list of the fixtures and times is below.

Wed, 18 December – Arsenal v Crystal Palace, 7.30pm

Wed, 18 December – Brentford v Newcastle, 7.45pm

Wed, 18 December – Southampton v Liverpool, 8pm

Thurs, 19 December – Tottenham v Manchester United, 8pm

When is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace is due to kick off at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, 18 December at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Where can I watch the match?

The quarter-final match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, while subscribers will be able to live stream via the Sky Go app.

If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

ArsenalXI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Sterling.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.

Prediction

Arsenal might have struggled for goals in recent weeks, but with both sides likely to rotate it could be a game where the overall squad quality shines through. The Gunners should have enough to get past Palace despite their recent good form.

Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace.