Prediction: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: 888sport

As millions around the world continue to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, one slice of normality has remained the same – sport. We’re now in a new year and that means we’re going to be experiencing a whole lost of games coming at us thick and fast between now and May, which is especially true in the English Premier League. Today, we’re going to take a look at the latest in a string of top flight London derbies as Arsenal prepare to host Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

Arsenal

A few weeks ago Mikel Arteta’s job was at serious risk, and yet now, Arsenal fans can’t get enough of him. The real test will come when they’re once again faced with the challenge of competing with the Premier League’s finest, but you can only beat what is put in front of you and that’s exactly what the Gunners are doing. They’ve got a strong core within their squad and in January, Arteta will be expected to make the changes necessary to get this team to where it needs to be.

Team News

Gabriel and Partey are both set to face late fitness tests before this game with the only confirmed absentee being Martinelli who injured his ankle in the warm-up prior to facing Newcastle, leaving a hole in Arsenal’s forward depth chart.

Crystal Palace

Despite the handful of attacking stars they have at their disposal, Crystal Palace are still being viewed as a team that can accomplish little more than hovering around midtable – and most of the time, they also wind up being dragged into the relegation battle. As a club they’re starting to expect much more than that, which is one of the reasons why it feels like just a matter of time before Roy Hodgson is sent packing.

Team News

Milivojevic is expected to feature despite breaching COVID protocols on New Year’s Eve with Cahill and Dann both being fitness doubts. In terms of other injury problems, the following players have been officially ruled out for Palace: Sakho, Kelly, Wickham, Ferguson, Hennessey and Schlupp.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting in January 2020, Crystal Palace and Arsenal drew 1-1.
• Arsenal have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 12 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have scored four goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Crystal Palace have served as strong opponents to most teams in the Premier League over the years but right now, they don’t seem to be in the sort of position necessary to mount any serious challenge to just about anyone. This game is an absolute gift for Arsenal who themselves are riding a nice wave of momentum, and we’re expecting them to run through the Eagles and take their current winning streak up to five games.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: 888sport