Team News: Jesus Starts in Carabao Cup Quarter-Final

Gabriel Jesus returns to the starting line-up as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian forward makes his first start since January 12 and will lead the attack against familiar opposition. The match also marks Jesus’ 100th appearance for Arsenal, a milestone he reaches against a team he has enjoyed success against in the competition.

Last December, Jesus scored a memorable hat-trick against Crystal Palace at the same stage of the Carabao Cup, before adding two more goals against them in a league encounter just days later.

Eight Changes for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has made eight changes to the side that defeated Everton away on Saturday night.

Kepa Arrizabalaga continues as Arsenal’s Carabao Cup goalkeeper, having started both previous matches in the competition. The defence remains largely unchanged, with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori all keeping their places. Myles Lewis-Skelly comes into the side at left-back.

In midfield, Mikel Merino captains the team, supported by Eberechi Eze and Christian Nørgaard. Jesus is joined in attack by Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.

Palace Make Three Changes

Crystal Palace have made three changes from the side that lost to Leeds United at the weekend.

Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah keeps his place in attack alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta. In goal, Daniel Benitez replaces Dean Henderson, while Jaydee Canvot and Jefferson Lerma come in for Nathaniel Clyne and Will Hughes respectively.

Line-ups

Arsenal XI

Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard, Merino (c), Eze; Martinelli, Madueke, Jesus.

Subs: Raya, Salmon, Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, Saka, Gyökeres.

Crystal Palace XI

Benitez; Canvot, Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi, Mitchell; Lerma, Wharton; Nketiah, Mateta, Pino.

Subs: Henderson, Uche, Clyne, Hughes, Esse, Sosa, Rodney, Devenny, Drakes-Thomas.