Why Arsenal vs Palace has been handed unique kick-off as clash starts early

The Gunners have lost their way in the Premier League, dropping points in their last two games and falling off the pace in the title race.

But Mikel Arteta remains positive and he will be hoping that his side can return to winning ways in the cup, after drawing with Everton.

Arteta's men beat Preston to reach the quarter-finals and they now face in-form Crystal Palace who knocked out Aston Villa in the last 16.

Palace come into this clash unbeaten in five and off the back of an impressive 3-1 win away at rivals Brighton on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Kick-off time

This Carabao Cup quarter-final will take place on Wednesday, December 18.

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Kick-off at the Emirates is scheduled for 7:30pm.

This is a little earlier than usual for an evening kick-off, with such games usually starting at 7:45pm or 8pm.

There is no confirmed reason as to why this is the case, but it is likely that it will be due to TV coverage and scheduling.

The game is set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.

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But both Newcastle vs Brentford and Southampton vs Liverpool will also be shown on Sky Sports' various channels on the same evening.

So to stagger the kick-offs, there is a 15-minute gap between each game's start, with Newcastle vs Brentford at 7:45pm and Southampton vs Liverpool at 8pm.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Team news

Arsenal could be without Declan Rice after he was substituted early against Everton with a knock, while Martin Odegaard came off too.

Although Odegaard is not injured, so he won't join Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.

Bukayo Saka may be handed a rest after 90 minutes at the weekend, although Arteta rarely ever starts at a game without his star man.

If he does, Leandro Trossard should come in along with Gabriel Jesus and potentially Raheem Sterling who has lacked game time this season.

Ethan Nwaneri is likely to feature too while Gabriel is not expected to be risked after only just returning from injury on Saturday.

As for Crystal Palace, they may make some changes to their side, with Gunners academy product Eddie Nketiah coming in up front.

Daichi Kamada, Nathaniel Clyne, Cheick Doucoure and youngster Justin Devenny will also be eyeing some minutes should Oliver Glasner rotate.

Eberechi Eze was taken off before the hour mark on Sunday, so he should be fresh to play at the Emirates as part of the front three.

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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: talkSPORT coverage

talkSPORT will have live coverage of the game presented by Adrian Durham.

Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former Aston Villa captain Andy Towsend.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

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You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

talkSPORT.com will also keep you up to date with all the latest news and reaction too.