Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night with a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals at stake. The hosts remain one of the most controlled sides in domestic cup competition, while Palace arrive facing a demanding run of fixtures during a busy period.

Arsenal -1 Asian Handicap – Arsenal’s depth make them strong favourites at home, with Palace’s recent workload increasing the risk of tiredness.

Mikel Merino to score – Merino could feature prominently with rotation expected. He also makes a habit of popping up at the right time.

Over 2.5 cards – Arsenal are the most disciplined team in the league, but still average 1.3 cards per match. A leggy Palace picked up three yellows at Elland Road on Saturday.

Arsenal have eased through earlier rounds with controlled 2-0 home wins over Port Vale and Brighton, keeping clean sheets and limiting opponents to low shot volumes.

Saturday’s 1-0 league win away at Everton again highlighted their ability to dictate games, with 65% possession and 573 passes completed.

Crystal Palace have taken this competition seriously and reached the quarter-finals by eliminating Millwall on penalties before producing an impressive 3-0 victory over Liverpool. However, the physical demands of that run are now beginning to show.

The Eagles were beaten 4-1 away at Leeds on Saturday night, just two days after Europa Conference League action. Palace conceded 20 shots, eight on target, and nine corners.

Their small squad now looks extremely stretched, particularly across midfield and wide areas, with injuries limiting rotation options.

This quarter-final comes as part of a run of eight matches in 24 days for Oliver Glasner’s side.

What are the best bets for Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?

Arsenal -1 Asian Handicap

Arsenal’s control and depth point towards a game that could open up as Palace tire. With the Eagles facing a heavy schedule and limited rotation, a one-goal lead has a strong chance of being extended late on.

Mikel Merino to score

Rotation could hand Merino an advanced role, and Arsenal’s sustained possession increases the chances of midfield runners arriving unmarked. Palace’s fatigue may leave space between the lines as the game wears on.

Over 2.5 cards

Arsenal may be well disciplined, but they’re usually good for a card. Palace’s match at Leeds saw them pick up three yellow cards. A leggy defensive effort again points towards multiple bookings.

Where can I watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?

| UK | Sky Sports | 19:45 GMT |

| US | ESPN+ | 14:45 ET |

What is Arsenal’s current form?

W-W-W-L-W-W

What is Crystal Palace’s current form?

W-W-L-D-L-L

What were the results of the last five head-to-head matches between Arsenal and Crystal Palace?

26/10/2025 – Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)

23/04/2025 – Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (Premier League)

21/12/2024 – Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal (Premier League)

18/12/2024 – Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace (EFL Cup)

20/01/2024 – Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)

What is Arsenal’s predicted team?

Kepa – Hincapié, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly – Eze, Nørgaard, Merino – Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli

Injured: Gabriel, Havertz, White

What is Crystal Palace’s predicted team?

Benítez – Richards, Guehi, Canvot – Clyne, Lerma, Wharton, Sosa – Pino, Devenny – Uche

Injured: Kamada, Doucouré

AFCON: Sarr

Doubts: Mateta

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