Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back once again with another full set of fixtures, and there are a few, in particular, that are worth keeping an eye on. One such game that we’re very interested to see unfold is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal, as one of the worst teams in the division takes on one of the best. That might be a bit of a harsh overstatement but the dynamic of games like this almost always make for entertaining results, especially between Palace and Arsenal as there have been at least two goals in the last 13 games between them, dating back to 1998.

Crystal Palace

Under Roy Hodgson it seemed as if Palace were turning a corner last season, and while they did wind up avoiding the drop, they appear to have taken a few steps backwards in recent weeks. They’ve got all the quality in the world necessary to make a push for the top ten and they have the ambition and drive to go even further one day, but their inconsistency continues to let them down. There’s still plenty of time to turn things around, but three straight defeats can be very dangerous in this league.

Team News

Benteke, Ward and Dann are all out through injuries, with Meyer and Sorloth both being doubts through small niggles/illnesses.

Arsenal

What is there to be said about the Gunners that hasn’t already been said by the masses? They are shocking everyone this season with their ability to maintain consistency throughout all competitions they’ve involved in, as the Unai Emery experiment continues to pay off. They’re starting to look better as a unit defensively, they’ve got some great attacking options, and the fans are starting to enjoy watching their team again. The biggest question of all, though, is whether or not complacency will set in.

Team News

Arsenal have a sea of injury problems but we’ll likely still see a strong starting XI being put out, with Iwobi probably getting the nod to start alongside Lacazette.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park.
• Crystal Palace have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won their last 11 games in all competitions.
• Arsenal lead Crystal Palace 28-4 in the overall head to head standings, with 11 draws.
• In their last meeting back in January, Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 4-1.

Conclusion

It’s always difficult to count a team like Crystal Palace out of any game, because they always seem to be able to pull a rabbit out of the hat when you least expect it. They’re going to thrive off of the crowd in this one as they’ll be desperate to get a result, but the Gunners are a tough nut to crack at the minute. We think Arsenal will take their time, ride out the early wave from Palace and then go on the attack – scoring twice in quick succession before adding a third late in the game to secure an efficient 3-0 victory.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: bet365