Arsenal will once again play at the Emirates Stadium as they welcome London rivals Crystal Palace in the English Football League Cup on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The Gunners head into the midweek showdown following an uncharacteristic performance on Saturday, where they were held to a goalless stalemate by Sean Dyche’s Everton at home in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace have been enjoying a run of morale-boosting results, with their most recent outing resulting in a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday at the American Express Stadium.
This recent resurgence has seen Crystal Palace avoid defeat in their last five games, securing two wins and three draws. Their run includes a hard-fought 2-2 stalemate against Manchester City a fortnight ago.
Arsenal are expected to rest several key players, including Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, as Mikel Arteta prioritizes keeping his squad fresh for the demanding Premier League and UEFA Champions League campaigns. With fixtures coming thick and fast, Arteta may use this opportunity to give some of his squad much-needed rest.
Our Prediction for Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
While rotation is likely for both teams, especially Arsenal, neither side will want to face elimination at the quarterfinal stage with silverware in sight. Both teams will undoubtedly go all out under the Emirates lights.
Given that both Mikel Arteta and Oliver Glasner are known for their attacking styles, and with expected squad changes, we anticipate goals in this match. Our betting tip is Over 2.5 goals, with odds of 1.79 on 1xbet.
For higher stakes, punters might consider a home win for Arsenal at odds of 1.40 on 1xbet. Arsenal have not lost a home game since April this year, making it unlikely that Crystal Palace will produce a rare upset.
Arsenal’s Recent Form Analysis
Arsenal’s goalless draw against Everton on Saturday does not tell the whole story. The Gunners were relatively dominant and should have scored but for the heroics of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
To reach this stage of the League Cup, Arsenal defeated Preston North End 3-0, with goals from Gabriel Jesus, youngster Ethan Nwaneri, and Kai Havertz. In the previous round, they thrashed Bolton Wanderers 5-1.
Last Five Games: 3 wins, 2 draws.
Latest Result: Arsenal 0-0 Everton.
Crystal Palace’s Recent Form Analysis
Crystal Palace have suffered just two defeats in their last ten games across all competitions. During this period, they have recorded four wins and four draws. Under Oliver Glasner, The Eagles have become a difficult team to beat while also adopting an expressive and aggressive style of play.
In earlier rounds of the League Cup, Palace eliminated Aston Villa with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 and overcame Leicester City in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
Last Five Games: 2 wins, 3 draws.
Latest Result: Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace.
Best Odds and Betting Tips
Here are our top betting tips for this match:
• Over 2.5 goals at 1xbet.
• Home (Arsenal) win at 1xbet.
