Mansion Sports – An important match will take place in the Carabao Cup as two London rivals, Arsenal and Crystal Palace, face each other to determine the fourth and final semifinalist of the 2025–26 season.

This match represents a crucial moment for both teams, each carrying strong ambitions to progress further in the domestic competition.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, 23 December 2025 at 20.00 local time.

Arsenal advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Port Vale and Brighton & Hove Albion, while Crystal Palace eliminated Millwall and the record title holders, Liverpool, in their pursuit of silverware.

Before the match begins, below is the Mansion Sports prediction for the Arsenal vs Crystal Palace lineups December 2025.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Arsenal

None of the current first-team Arsenal squad members were alive the last time The Gunners won the EFL Cup, a tournament they have lifted only twice in their history, in 1987 and 1993. However, Wembley is now once again within reach.

Manchester City and Liverpool, with their extraordinary squad depth, have dominated this competition over the past decade.

After significant summer spending amounting to £250 million, Arsenal have now entered that category, although an ongoing injury crisis continues to trouble Mikel Arteta and his team.

Nevertheless, the North London giants have reached the EFL Cup quarter-finals for the fourth time in the last six seasons.

Arsenal have also won their last two matches at this stage in the 2021–22 and 2024–25 seasons, although they were eliminated in the semi-finals on both occasions.

Arsenal are temporarily shifting focus away from the Premier League title race in order to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Their positive momentum was strengthened by a 1–0 victory over Everton on Saturday night, a result that ensured Arsenal spent Christmas Day at the top of the table.

Arteta’s side enter this quarter-final clash on a run of three consecutive wins in all competitions.

In addition, the Premier League leaders have won 11 of their 12 home matches this season, including their last nine consecutive victories.

Crystal Palace

That winning run for Arsenal included a narrow one-goal victory over Crystal Palace in October, where Eberechi Eze proved a nightmare for his former club.

That result was clearly not ideal preparation for Palace ahead of a cup match against Premier League champions Liverpool three days later.

However, Crystal Palace, fielding an almost full-strength side, dominated a Liverpool team that relied heavily on young and fringe players, securing an emphatic 3–0 victory.

That win kept Palace’s hopes alive of claiming a third trophy within 12 months following success in the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

Nevertheless, the congested domestic and European schedule has begun to take its toll at Selhurst Park. Oliver Glasner’s side travel to the Emirates Stadium without a win in their last three matches in all competitions, including two consecutive defeats in the Premier League.

Palace’s young players performed reasonably well in a 2–2 draw against KuPS in the Conference League.

However, a refreshed first team was heavily beaten 4–1 by Leeds United last Saturday and have now conceded nine goals across their last three matches.

The head-to-head record also does not favor Crystal Palace. Arsenal dramatically defeated Palace 3–2 in the 2024–25 EFL Cup quarter-final thanks to a hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus. If a similar result occurs, Arsenal will face Chelsea in the semi-finals.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Predicted Lineups – December 2025

Below are the predicted Arsenal vs Crystal Palace lineups December 2025, complete with formations and head coaches for both teams.

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Arsenal’s fitness situation remains largely unchanged ahead of the quarter-final. Mikel Arteta is still unable to call upon Max Dowman (ankle), Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh), Kai Havertz (knee), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), and Ben White (hamstring).

Despite the competition entering a decisive phase, changes to the lineup are almost certain.

Gabriel Jesus, the quarter-final hero last season, is in contention to make his first start since January, replacing last weekend’s winning goal scorer, Viktor Gyokeres.

Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Myles Lewis-Skelly are also competing for promotion from the bench.

In addition, Joshua Nichols could be given minutes once again after making his debut for Arsenal in this competition last season.

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)

Crystal Palace will be weakened by the absence of Ismaila Sarr, who is representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as Daniel Munoz and Daichi Kamada, who are sidelined with knee and thigh injuries respectively.

In addition, Rio Cardines (muscle), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Caleb Kporha (back), and Chadi Riad (knee) are also confirmed absentees.

Palace must also exercise caution with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is still struggling with a knee issue.

Under these circumstances, Glasner is likely to leave Mateta on the bench and hand a starting opportunity to Christantus Uche.

Walter Benitez, Borna Sosa, Jefferson Lerma, and Jaydee Canvot are also in contention to feature due to the necessary rotation.

With high tension, London rivalry, and a semi-final place at stake, this match promises to be a compelling contest amid a congested end-of-year schedule.

The duel between Arsenal and Crystal Palace is not only about tactics and team selection, but also about which side is best prepared to capitalize on momentum on a decisive night.