Arsenal Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Arsenal predicted lineup shaped by rotation and necessity

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter final against Crystal Palace arrives at an awkward junction in the season, a collision of opportunity and fatigue. With a semi final against Chelsea awaiting the winners, Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate, but not recklessly. This Arsenal predicted lineup reflects a manager balancing squad management with the realities of an injury list that continues to narrow his options.

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Palace arrive at the Emirates playing their third match in five days, and Oliver Glasner is likely to shuffle his pack. Arsenal will do likewise, though Arteta’s hand is not entirely free. The Carabao Cup has become a proving ground for depth, but it is also a competition that increasingly demands seriousness at this stage.

Attacking rotation likely in Arsenal lineup

One of the more notable inclusions could be Gabriel Jesus, who is poised to make his first start since January. Arteta has already signalled intent rather than ambiguity.

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“Yes, he is [ready],” Arteta said.“You can see now, not only in games, every day in training how much he wants it. He’s going to deserve a chance soon.”

That chance appears to arrive tonight. Jesus offers intensity and movement rather than rhythm, but in a cup tie those qualities often matter more. Noni Madueke is also expected to come into the side should Bukayo Saka be rested, while Eberechi Eze may start against his former club, a narrative subplot Arteta will downplay but cannot ignore.

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Midfield questions define Arsenal predicted approach

The most delicate decision sits in midfield. Martin Zubimendi has carried a heavy load and now faces his first winter period without a break. Declan Rice, meanwhile, has become almost ever present. This opens the door for Christian Norgaard, whose rare start would offer control and experience rather than dynamism.

Arteta’s midfield choices increasingly reflect long term sustainability rather than weekly optimisation. This is not concession, it is calculation.

Defensive limits influence team selection

Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to continue as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper, but defensive rotation is restricted. Injuries to Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel reduce flexibility, forcing Arteta to lean closer to his strongest available back line than ideal.

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Myles Lewis Skelly is likely to start at left back, while there could be minutes for 16 year old Marli Salmon, although a substitute appearance remains more probable than a full debut start.

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Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli

Injured: Gabriel, White, Mosquera, Dowman, HavertzTime and date: 8pm GMT, Tuesday December 23 2025Venue: Emirates StadiumHow to watch: Sky Sports and ITV