Arsenal will host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup on Wednesday, December 17 as the competition nears its final rounds.
The Gunners entered this competition in Round 3 and faced Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates, thrashing the former Premier League side 5-1 in that match. They then faced another former PL side in Preston North End, defeating them with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline away from home. They will enter this game on the back of great confidence and will look to perform well in front of their home crowd and will look to get as far as they can in the EFL Cup.
Palace, on the other hand, entered this competition in Round 2 and faced Norwich City, securing a dominant 4-0 win to progress. They then secured a narrow 2-1 win away at fellow Londoners Queens Park Rangers in Round 3, before seeing off fellow PL side Aston Villa 2-1 in the round of 16. With nothing else to fight for, the Eagles will go all out in this cup tie and will look for a win.
On that note, let’s take a look at how the Gunners could line up for this game.
Predicted Arsenal lineup: Several changes on the cards for Mikel Arteta?
Arteta made some interesting calls with team selection in the last few weeks, with Myles Lewis-Skelly getting the nod for two consecutive starts. While this is majorly down to injuries to defenders, it has also shown the Spaniard’s willingness to use youngsters.
David Raya will retain his position in goal, with Jurrien Timber set to start as the right back. William Saliba will partner with Jakub Kiwior in defence, with Lewis-Skelly not expected to start three-straight games, Tierney might finally get his bow.
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Ethan Nwaneri will play in midfield alongside Thomas Partey and Jorginho, while Raheem Sterling will start on the right flank. Arteta will pick Jesus to lead the line, while Leandro Trossard could get the nod on the left flank.
Arsenal Predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney; Nwaneri, Partey, Jorginho; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard.
