Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup looking to reach the semi-final of a cup competition for the first time since their elimination by Liverpool in January of 2022. With the game being played at the Emirates Stadium there is a real expectation of progression to the next stage.
Winning a trophy has not been achievable these past few years since the FA Cup in 2020 so this is a competition the Gunners truly need to be prioritising. It can offer a boost early on in the season by lifting it with many months of the campaign still to run.
With that in mind, the club still has plenty of injury and fitness concerns to worry about and Mikel Arteta needs to get his selection right while managing his players. Thankfully, football.london’s Arsenal writers are on hand to give an insight into who they would choose.
Tom Canton
With Neto cup-tied of course, David Raya will continue in goal. Both Jack Porter and Tommy Setford have played in the competition this season but with a Premier League opponent, it would likely be better to use the number one choice here.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are the consistent choices for the back four as other absentees and injury concerns continue. I would allow the recently returned Gabriel Magalhaes rest and bring Jakub Kiwior in while Kieran Tierney finally gets the nod at left-back.
In midfield with Declan Rice needing to be taken off against Everton, Thomas Partey is the natural option to return to defensive midfield. Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard would be my starting midfielders with Ethan Nwaneri missing out but can make an impact from the bench.
There has been issues in the forward line and perhaps some rotation is therefore important. Raheem Sterling has been sitting and waiting for an opportunity for a while, perhaps here is where he can get it with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus completing the front three.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Crystal Palace: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney; Partey, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Sterling
Kaya Kaynak
If I’m Mikel Arteta, I’m looking for a win here. This competition is a great chance to win a trophy, and I want to take it.
That means I’m starting David Raya over Tommy Setford in goal. This is too big a game to take a chance on a youngster and the quality of opposition is too high.
I’m still not a fan of Thomas Partey at right back, so I’m going for Jurrien Timber alongside William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior. Myles Lewis-Skelly is my left back, meanwhile. He deserves the spot after some superb recent performances.
In midfield, I’m not risking Declan Rice. Especially when Jorginho is such an accomplished replacement.
In front of the Italian, I’m going on the offensive. Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri didn’t play together at the weekend so why not rectify that on Wednesday night?
I’m opting for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. I think you need as much attacking outlet as you can get.
Gabriel Jesus is my choice up front. Kai Havertz was poor against Everton and Jesus needs to find a way to get back on track. On the left-hand side, Raheem Sterling has to start.
Kaynak’s Arsenal XI – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Odegaard, Nwaneri; Saka, Jesus, Sterling
