Jesus Returns to Lead Arsenal in a Gutsy EFL Cup Quarterfinal Clash Against Crystal Palace

Lineups and Jesus's Return

Spanish coach Mikel Arteta announced Arsenal's lineup to face Crystal Palace today, Tuesday, at the Emirates Stadium, in the English League Cup quarterfinal.

Arteta will lean on Brazilian Gabriel Jesus in attack, as he plays his 100th match for the Gunners.

This is Jesus's first start since returning from an ACL injury that kept him out for a year.

Jesus has appeared as a substitute in Arsenal's last three games against Club Brugge, Wolverhampton (where he scored the winner), and Everton.

Arteta also handed Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga a starting role ahead of his compatriot David Raya.

Arsenal's bench features a host of stars, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Victor Giokeris, and Leandro Trossard.

The starting lineups were announced as follows. Arsenal lineup includes Kepa in goal and a defense featuring Tierney and Saliba, while Crystal Palace line up with their goalkeeper and Mateta up front. The winner will advance to a semifinal clash with Chelsea.

Arsenal: Kepa; Tierney; Saliba; Calafiori; Skeili; Norgaard; Merino; Ezi; Madouki; Martinelli; Jesus. Crystal Palace: Benitez; Canvot; Richards; Lacroix; Joie; Mitchell; Warton; Lerma; Beno; Nketia; Mateta.

And the pairings set the stage for a potentially spicy encounter, with the winner heading to a semifinal against Chelsea.

Arsenal's bench includes players like Saka, Odegaard, Rice, and Leandro Trossard.

The winner will meet Chelsea in the semifinals.

Punchline 1: If football had a warranty, Jesus just earned a big one for Arsenal—return, reliability, and a goal when it counts.
Punchline 2: Arsenal win or lose, the Emirates will be buzzing; either way, the coffee machine in the press room will finally get a workout.