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Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace: Carabao Cup Showdown Preview

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 6:25 GMT by Sporting News

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Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace: A Complete Preview and Broadcast Guide

If you’re looking to catch the next round of the Carabao Cup—Arsenal’s showdown with Crystal Palace—this article has all the essential details in one place. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan, a casual viewer, or just curious about the match’s context, you’ll find a clear summary of what to expect, how to watch it, and why it matters for both clubs.

1. The Big Picture

• Competition: The match is part of the 2023‑24 Carabao Cup (the English Football League Cup), a knockout tournament that pits clubs from the Premier League and lower divisions against each other. Winning the cup offers a route into European competition, making every round a high‑stakes affair.
• Teams: Arsenal (the Gunners) enter the fixture as the defending champions, having won the cup in the 2022‑23 season. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are looking for a chance to cement themselves as a genuine cup threat, after their dramatic semi‑final victory over Newcastle in the previous year.
• Venue: The game takes place at the Emirates Stadium in London. Although the venue isn’t neutral (Arsenal’s home ground), the Cup’s “two‑leg” format means that Crystal Palace’s home advantage will be played at Selhurst Park in the return fixture.

2. Why It Matters for Each Side

Both clubs have a lot on the line, and a win could boost team confidence in other competitions.

3. Anticipated Starting Line‑Ups

Arsenal

• Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (most likely)
• Defense: Ben White, Kieran Tierney, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba
• Midfield: Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhães (possibly, or a young midfielder like Emiliano Buendía), Bukayo Saka
• Attack: Martin Ødegaard, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pépé

Arteta’s line‑up is expected to be relatively stable, as the Gunners have found a rhythm in their recent matches. A likely strategy will be a 4‑2‑3‑1 structure, allowing Ødegaard to orchestrate the midfield and Pépé to exploit any gaps on the right.

Crystal Palace

• Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
• Defense: James Tomkins, Joel Folly, Max Wood, John McGinn
• Midfield: William Saliba, John McGinn (in a deeper role), Aleksandar Mitrović
• Attack: Nacer Chadli, Trezeguet, Jermain Defoe

Palace’s setup will likely feature a 4‑4‑2 or a 4‑3‑3 with a defensive midfielder. Their key weapons will be the counter‑attacking pace of the front line and the physicality of Mitrović up front.

4. Key Match‑Ups and Tactics

• Goalkeeper Duel: Ramsdale vs. Pope – Both are experienced shot‑stoppers, but Ramsdale has the advantage of familiarity with the Emirates Stadium’s unique pitch and crowd.
• Midfield Battle: Arteta’s creative midfield vs. Palace’s counter‑attack focus – This will be the deciding factor; control of the midfield will dictate possession and time‑keeping.
• Right‑Side Skirmish: Saka vs. Tomkins – Saka’s pace and dribbling ability will test Tomkins’ defensive endurance.
• Striker Showdown: Ødegaard’s link‑up play vs. Mitrović’s physical presence – Ødegaard will try to create space for Pépé, while Mitrović will look to use his aerial dominance.

5. Broadcast Details

Where to Watch

Start Time

• The match kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time (8:30 p.m. local time at Emirates Stadium). Make sure to adjust for your time zone if you’re viewing from outside the U.S. or the UK.

Streaming Tips

• If you’re using a streaming platform like Peacock or ESPN+, you’ll need a valid subscription. Many platforms offer a free trial that covers the match day.
• For a more reliable stream, especially for UK fans, use Sky Sports’ dedicated match‑day app or BBC iPlayer. These are free for viewers within the UK, provided you have a TV license.

6. Additional Context and Storylines

• Arsenal’s Cup Form: The Gunners have reached the Carabao Cup final for the second consecutive season. Their performance in the final against Liverpool last year was a major talking point, and this match will be the first chance for Arteta to add a second trophy to his early career list.
• Palace’s Resurgence: Having finished outside the top six last season, Palace are looking to reclaim their status as a club that can challenge for Europe. A win against a top‑flight side would boost confidence across the board.
• Managerial Pressure: Arteta is under increasing scrutiny after a 1‑0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League. A Cup win could relieve some pressure, whereas a Palace win could further deepen the Gunners’ anxiety.
• Player Spotlight: Ødegaard’s role is evolving from a key creative player to a senior leadership figure. Palace’s Defoe, meanwhile, has shown his experience and knack for late goals in cup competitions.

7. Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of Arsenal’s technical flair, Crystal Palace’s gritty resilience, or simply love watching the drama of the Carabao Cup, this match is set to be an enthralling clash. With the Gunners eager to keep their Cup‑winning momentum and the Palace determined to break a long‑standing trophy drought, both sides have plenty at stake. Catch the live action at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, NBC Sports, Sky Sports, or any other available channel listed above, and witness the high‑octane football that only knockout football can deliver.