Arsenal XI vs Crystal Palace: Predicted lineup and team news

Arsenal are expected to rotate heavily when they host Crystal Palace tonight in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, with Mikel Arteta balancing knockout ambition against a demanding winter schedule.

The Gunners welcome Oliver Glasner’s Palace side to the Emirates Stadium knowing victory would set up a two-legged semi-final clash with Chelsea. With fixtures piling up, both managers are likely to lean on squad depth — though injuries may limit Arsenal’s flexibility.

Mikel Arteta has already confirmed one major selection boost, revealing Gabriel Jesus is ready to start for the first time since January.

“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.”

Jesus is expected to lead the line, offering much-needed freshness in attack. Elsewhere, Noni Madueke could be handed a start if Bukayo Saka is rested, while Eberechi Eze may feature against his former club in a more advanced midfield role.

Arteta faces a balancing act in midfield. Martin Zubimendi has logged heavy minutes this season and is approaching his first uninterrupted winter campaign, while Declan Rice has been close to ever-present.

That could open the door for Christian Norgaard to make a rare start, adding physicality and rotation in the engine room alongside Mikel Merino.

Rotation at the back is less straightforward. Arsenal remain without Gabriel, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Dowman, limiting Arteta’s options.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to continue as the club’s cup goalkeeper, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is likely to start at left-back.

There could also be minutes from teenage defender Marli Salmon, who made his senior debut earlier this month against Club Brugge. However, a substitute appearance appears more likely than a start for the 16-year-old.

Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli

Injured: Gabriel, White, Mosquera, Dowman, Havertz

Should Arsenal progress, attention will quickly turn to a two-legged semi-final against Chelsea, adding further congestion to an already packed calendar. For now, Arteta’s focus is on navigating tonight’s tie without picking up fresh injuries — while giving squad players a chance to impress in a knockout setting.

Do you agree with Arteta rotating heavily — or should Arsenal go full strength with silverware on the line?