Arsenal handed favourable draw as they learn EFL Cup quarter-final opponents

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Arsenal produced an excellent performance to beat Preston North End in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, and they have now learned their opponents for the next round.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz handed Arsenal an impressive win on the road against Championship side Preston, but the quarter-final will certainly be much tougher.

Arsenal beat Bolton Wanderers in the third round before their triumph against Preston, and could find themselves edging closer to a Wembley day out, but they will have Premier League opposition to beat next.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s all-time record in European finals between 1970 and 2019

Arsenal draw Crystal Palace in EFL Cup quarter-finals

Arsenal have now been drawn against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, and whilst they will not be a straightforward opponent, it is a favourable draw for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal have been drawn at home to Palace, with the tie taking place in the week of December 17, and given the other teams in the draw, it could have been a lot tougher despite Palace’s quality.

Tottenham Hotspur were drawn against Manchester United after beating Manchester City, and Arsenal have avoided facing a top-six side until at least the semi-final, should they progress against the Eagles.

The quarter-final draw in full:

• Tottenham vs Man United
• Southampton vs Liverpool
• Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
• Newcastle vs Brentford

Palace beat Aston Villa away whilst Arsenal won at Preston to set up the quarter-final, which will see a familiar face return to the Emirates Stadium.

Eddie Nketiah to return to Emirates Stadium as Arsenal draw Crystal Palace in EFL Cup

Arsenal sold homegrown striker Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace in the summer window, after the England international fell down the pecking order under Arteta.

This will be the first time Nketiah faces Arsenal, with a trip to Selhurst Park coming immediately after the cup tie, but Arsenal will be wary of one key stat.

Nketiah scored 12 goals in 15 EFL Cup games for Arsenal and Leeds, including a stunning hattrick against Sunderland in the 2021-22 quarter-finals, and Arteta will be very aware of the threat he poses.