Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace: Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Preview - Line-ups, Odds & Betting Tips
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Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace – Carabao Cup Quarter‑Final Preview, Line‑ups, Odds & Betting Tips
(Summary of Sporting News article – 50afb64e73050dd7f5eb59a1)
The 2023‑24 Carabao Cup quarter‑final is set to pit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium against Crystal Palace, with the winner progressing to the semi‑finals in the autumn. Sporting News’ preview gives fans a thorough rundown of the stakes, recent form, predicted line‑ups, and betting angles that could shape the next big cup encounter.
1. The Context – What the Carabao Cup Means
The Carabao Cup (officially the EFL Cup) is England’s secondary domestic knockout competition, featuring 92 clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League. Winning it provides a route into the UEFA Europa Conference League and is often used by clubs to rotate squads while giving fringe and young players a chance to shine.
For a deeper dive into the competition’s history and format, Sporting News links to the [ Wikipedia page on the EFL Cup ].
In this edition, Arsenal and Crystal Palace have both navigated two‑round ties: Arsenal beat Leeds United in a dramatic 2‑1 extra‑time win, while Palace came from 0‑2 down to beat Brighton 3‑2 after extra time. Both clubs are looking to finish the season with silverware, and the quarter‑finals are a must‑win for any realistic European aspirations.
2. Recent Form – How the Teams Have Been Performing
Arsenal
- Current League Form: 3‑4‑1 in the last eight Premier League games (2 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses) – a slump that has left them 16th in the table.
- Cup Form: Their 2‑1 win over Leeds was their second consecutive match; the goal was a long‑range curling shot from Bukayo Saka.
- Key Points: Arteta’s back‑three (Gabriel, Dani Ceballos, Marquinhos) has been a defensive haven, but the midfield is often thin against teams with high pressing.
Crystal Palace
- Current League Form: 3‑2‑3 (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses) – a respectable mid‑table push.
- Cup Form: The 3‑2 comeback over Brighton saw Rayan Ait‑Nouri score a 94th‑minute winner, underlining Palace’s resilience.
- Key Points: Vieira’s side has been a tough nut to crack away from Selhurst Park, largely thanks to a disciplined defense and a quick‑release midfield.
The Sporting News article cross‑references the [ Crystal Palace player profile ] for an in‑depth look at key squad members.
3. Predicted Line‑ups – Who Might Start?
Arsenal (Arteta)
- Aaron Ramsdale – keeper (though there is speculation he might rotate against a cup side).
- Ben White – left‑back.
- Gabriel – centre‑back.
- Marquinhos – centre‑back.
- Kieran Tierney – right‑back (often a starting choice).
- Gabriel Jesus – forward (the big striker who could open the scoring).
- Emile Smith Rowe – attacking midfield.
- Bukayo Saka – winger.
- Martin Ødegaard – midfield play‑maker.
- Patrick van Aanholt – winger.
- Tino Antonia – striker (often used as a backup).
Notable Absences: Bukayo Saka could be a rotation risk if Arteta wants a fresher look. However, the preview strongly leans on a 4‑4‑2 shape to press Palace’s midfield.
Crystal Palace (Vieira)
- Nick Pope – keeper (although a rotation is possible).
- Jordan Galtaway – left‑back.
- Kieran Gibbs – centre‑back.
- Kieran Gibbs – centre‑back (a mis‑print; actual second centre‑back is Lewis Pickup).
- Lewis Pickup – right‑back.
- Joël Gaillard – forward.
- Lewis Pickup – midfield (the article mistakenly repeats his name; the true midfielder is Lewis Pickup – yes, he also plays central midfield).
- Rayan Ait‑Nouri – winger.
- Jordan Galtaway – midfielder.
- Patrick van Aanholt – forward (though he is listed for Arsenal; here we switch to Jordan Galtaway again, but actual key forward is Joël Gaillard).
- Lewis Pickup – striker (again, the article might mis‑label; actual striker is Joël Gaillard).
Key Players to Watch:
- Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus (the target man), Bukayo Saka (wing threat).
- Palace: Rayan Ait‑Nouri (set‑piece specialist), Joël Gaillard (pacey forward).
The preview links to the [ Crucial Players profile page ] for deeper insights into the squads.
4. Betting Odds – Where the Bookmakers Are Headed
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Arsenal win | 1.45 |
| Draw | 4.50 |
| Crystal Palace win | 6.00 |
The bookmakers consider Arsenal the clear favorite, largely due to their superior squad depth and recent cup pedigree. The odds reflect the expectation that Arsenal will at least secure a one‑goal advantage.
For those who want to compare odds across different platforms, Sporting News provides a link to the official Bet365 odds page.
5. Bet Builder – Smart Ways to Bet on This Match
The article highlights a few Bet Builder suggestions that can boost potential payouts:
- Total Goals Over/Under 2.5 – Over 2.5 is favored at 1.70, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both sides.
- Correct Score – 1‑0 Arsenal win offers 8.00 odds, a high risk/reward scenario.
- Both Teams to Score – This bet carries 1.90 odds, acknowledging Palace’s attacking prowess.
- First Goal Scorer – Bukayo Saka at 2.20 or Joël Gaillard at 3.40.
- Half‑Time/Full‑Time – Arsenal win both halves at 5.10, a niche market.
These options cater to a variety of risk appetites, from conservative single bets to more speculative accumulators.
6. Final Prediction – Who Will Progress?
The Sporting News preview leans heavily toward an Arsenal victory, citing:
- Home Advantage: Emirates Stadium has a record of high‑scoring fixtures, and the fans’ energy could push the Gunners to win 2‑1 or 3‑1.
- Injuries: Palace’s defensive stalwarts are fit, but Arsenal’s midfield depth could offset the risk of a slow start.
- Recent Cup Success: The extra‑time win over Leeds showed Arsenal’s resilience under pressure.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Crystal Palace 0.
However, the article warns that Palace’s counter‑attacking threat and set‑piece prowess could still catch the Gunners, keeping the match’s outcome uncertain.
7. Takeaway – What Fans Should Watch For
- Arsenal’s Forward Line: Will Gabriel Jesus find the net or will Bukayo Saka make the difference?
- Crystal Palace’s Defense: Can they stop the Arsenal back‑three and capitalize on any early chances?
- Match Momentum: A strong start could demoralise Palace’s attackers, while an early goal might shift the tactical setup.
- Betting Value: The high odds for a draw or a Palace win present an attractive outlier for savvy bettors.
With the Carabao Cup’s prestige and the potential for European qualification on the line, this quarter‑final promises drama, tactical intrigue, and, perhaps, a memorable finish to the current season. Fans and punters alike will have plenty to analyse, and Sporting News has neatly packaged all the essential data to help them navigate the match’s narrative and the betting market.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/arsenal-vs-crystal-palace-prediction-lineups-odds-bet-builder-carabao-cup-quarter-final/50afb64e73050dd7f5eb59a1 ]