Morning all.
Tis the night before Christmas Eve. Arsenal face Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter final, a chance to win a big trophy just two games away. Yes, I’d love for Mikel Arteta to lead Arsenal to Wembley, lifting a trophy at the end of February but I also hope he can do it by using his squad wisely.
Does any Arsenal fan want to see the see starting eleven which beat Everton? Absolutely no way in my opinion. Jesus, Nwaneri, Madueke, Eze, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Martinelli, Merino and Kepa. I would like to see a number of those players in the starting eleven. I’d love to see Harriman-Annous and Salmon in the squad too, even if it’s just for the experience. But I’m not stupid, I’m sure Arteta will field one or even both of Zubimendi and Rice because the team needs stability, just as I’m sure Saliba, Timber, Hincapie or Calafiori will start, just not all four hopefully.
Fielding a much changed side wouldn’t be showing a sign of complacency towards tonight’s opponents, it’s about sending a message to the players who haven’t been getting minutes. It would be Arteta showing belief in them. These guys need to play, to stay match fit and ready to play at any given moment. Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly and Norgaard especially.
Crystal Palace manager Glasner cocked up his approach in Europe. He clearly thought his team would get the win at home in order to avoid the playoffs. They didn’t so he’s landed two additional fixtures to his teams schedule. Whether or not that means he’ll be reluctant to play his strongest eleven against us I’ve no idea.
Palace have a number of players ruled out for this match: Kporha, Dnanou, Doucoure, Cardines, Mejia and Kamada are injured and Sarr is at The African Cup Nations. Mateta has knee problems so with a bit of luck, Glasner won’t risk him.
Palace have been beaten 3-0 by Man City in the last fortnight and they were also thumped 4-1 at the weekend by Leeds. It’s not been a good time for Glasner, however, what is it many managers say, the best way to get over a defeat is by winning the next game.
Almost a year ago, this same fixture played out in the same competition and at the same stage. A Gabriel Jesus hat-trick saw us through to the semi final on the night. Earlier this season, we beat Palace 1-0 at The Emirates, The first half was pretty eventless until Eze volley home the only goal of the game but we did hit the woodwork twice, or rather Gabriel did.
Arsenal’s Adrian Clarke, writing in the official matchday programme:
Palace boast the second-lowest possession stats in the Premier League, so they fall into the category of being a counter-attacking team, especially given the direct speed of their attacks (2.16 metres per second) is the fastest of all 20 top-flight sides.
The Eagles are almost certain to use a 3-4-2-1 shape, and that formation is usually incredibly robust without the ball. Midfielders apply good pressure to the man on the ball, with those around them working hard to limit passing options. Blocking off the central spine is Palace’s forte, something they did extremely well at Emirates Stadium in October.
On the ball, Palace love to raid through their wing-backs, who tend to hug the touchline. This makes the pitch feel stretched, leaving space on the inside for their twin No.10s to get onto the ball inside opposition territory. Also, their xG from set pieces is second only behind ourselves.
Mateta must be closely shackled. His expected goals tally is second only to Erling Haaland, and that is because he is a magnet for ‘big chances’, enjoying more than 20 so far. The front man is helped by having creative players like Adam Wharton and Yeremy Pino in and around him, who have a keen eye for precise through balls.
I know you and I always say the season should be approached one game at a time but two home league games follow in quick succession, the first against Brighton, the second against Villa.
Three days after the Villa game, Arsenal head to Bournemouth. The first of eight fixtures in January.
This is our last game before Santa lands in your fireplace and delivers all the things you’ve hoped for this Christmas. Me, all I’d like is to see Arsenal crowned Premier League Champions in May.
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico, from what I’ve read this morning it seems likely that Jesus will start this evening. Arteta has said that Jesus really “wants it” and he is certainly in his thoughts.
I agree with you about Rice and Zubimendi, they both need a rest but we also need stability in midfield which leaves the way open for Merino and Norgaard to step in.
No Var tonight, is that a good or bad thing.
Morning Cicero.
I’d rather we had VAR than not.
As for Jesus, Arteta talks in riddles when it comes to players.