Mansion Sports – A heated London derby will take place in the Carabao Cup as Arsenal and Crystal Palace face each other to compete for the final remaining ticket to the semi-finals of the 2025–26 season.

This match is not only about pride, but also represents an important moment for both teams amid a congested end-of-year schedule.

The fixture will determine the fourth and final semi-finalist of the 2025–26 Carabao Cup as the London rivals, Arsenal and Crystal Palace, complete this season’s quarter-final lineup.

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

Arsenal progressed to the quarter-finals after eliminating Port Vale and Brighton & Hove Albion, while Crystal Palace defeated Millwall and the most successful team in the history of the competition, Liverpool, in their pursuit of silverware.

Before the match begins, here are the recommendations from Mansion Sports on where to watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace December 2025 so that you do not miss the exciting action.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Arsenal

None of the players in Arsenal’s current first-team squad 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 their reach.

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

After major summer spending amounting to £250 million, Arsenal now possess similar squad depth, although injuries continue to trouble Mikel Arteta and his staff.

Nevertheless, the North London giants have now 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 subsequently eliminated in the semi-finals.

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

That effort received a significant boost following a 1–0 victory over Everton on Saturday night, a result that ensured they spent Christmas Day at the top of the table.

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

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

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

Although the competition has now entered a decisive phase, changes to the lineup are almost certain. Gabriel Jesus, the quarter-final hero from last season, could make his first start since January by replacing last weekend’s winning goal scorer, Viktor Gyokeres.

Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Myles Lewis-Skelly are also competing to move up from the bench.

Joshua Nichols may even be given a rare opportunity after making his debut for Arsenal in this competition against Bolton Wanderers last season.

Crystal Palace

Arsenal’s winning run included a narrow one-goal victory over Crystal Palace in October, where former Palace player Eberechi Eze proved to be a nightmare for his old club.

That result was clearly not ideal preparation for Palace before traveling to face Premier League champions Liverpool three days later.

However, Crystal Palace, fielding an almost full-strength side, dominated a Liverpool team that deployed many young and fringe players, securing a convincing 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 heavy demands of domestic and European schedules are now beginning to take their toll at Selhurst Park. 

Oliver Glasner’s side travel to the Emirates Stadium without a win in their last three matches across 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.

Meanwhile, Palace must play without 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.

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

Palace must also be extremely cautious with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is still dealing with a knee issue.

Glasner is likely to leave the French striker 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 need for squad rotation.

Where to Watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – December 2025

For those looking for where to watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace December 2025, availability will depend on your place of residence. The match can be watched through platforms such as:

• Sky Sports
• beIN Sports
• DAZN
• Disney+
• Paramount+
• MONOMAX
• Super Sports

With the high tension typical of a London derby and a semi-final place at stake, this match is well worth watching until the final whistle.

Arsenal and Crystal Palace both have strong reasons to give their all, making this fixture one of the most compelling duels in the Carabao Cup this season.