Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

With London bragging rights up for grabs on Monday night, Crystal Palace will welcome Champions League chasers Arsenal to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace

Starting with the hosts, last seen heading into March’s international break with a stunning display against Everton on home soil, the mood in Crystal Palace’s camp should be at a real high. Eventually booking their spot in the semi-final of this year’s tournament thanks to a 4-0 romp at Selhurst Park, the Eagles have gained a host of plaudits since bringing in former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira. Sat just two points adrift of breaking into the top-half, Monday’s hosts mark their return to action here in the midst of a six-match unbeaten run across all formats. Likewise, with just a single defeat to their name since January 23rd, Palace could be smelling the chance to spring an upset here. Really impressing as they snatched a 0-0 stalemate against Manchester City last month, Vieira should be excited by his side’s extended displays at the back. It should be noted, the Eagles have gone over 300 minutes without picking the ball out of their net.

Team News

After making his full England debut against Switzerland during the international break, Marc Guehi looks set to Joachim Anderson at the heart of Palace’s defence here.

However, picking up a suspected hamstring injury while away with France’s U21’s, Michael Olise looks a major doubt here.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have opened the 2021/22 campaign in the midst of a very public struggle, the Gunners mark their return in the midst of a stellar purple patch. Last seen on March 19th when picking up a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta’s side have their sights set on booking a Champions League return this season. Marking their return to action holding a three-point buffer over the chasing pack, Monday’s guests will simply be looking to keep up that momentum. Winning six of their last seven Premier League outings, a run that stems back to January 23rd, Pep Guardiola’s former right-hand man has also seen his side continue to shine with their displays on the road. It should be noted, along with a 5-0 romp against leading relegation scrappers Norwich, Arsenal have won each of their previous five top-flight matchups away from the Emirates by an aggregate score of 14-3.

Team News

Bernd Leno will likely between the sticks on Monday night as Aaron Ramsdale continues to suffer from a hip injury.

Arsenal could be boosted by the return of full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu who has been dealing with a long-term calf issue.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at the Emirates back in October, Monday’s opponents played out a 2-2 draw.
• In fact, four of the last five matchups between Crystal Palace and Arsenal have finished in a stalemate.
• Arsenal have won each of their last five Premier League contests away from the Emirates by an aggregate score of 14-3.
• The Eagles are unbeaten in each of their last six matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, Palace have gone have gone over 300 minutes without picking the ball out of their net.

Conclusion

Heading into March’s international break with a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Aston Villa, Arsenal will be desperate to build off of their recent purple patch. Storming their way into the top-four and in pole position to book a Champions League return this season, the Gunners have also gained a reputation for their continued success away from the Emirates. While Crystal Palace might have booked their spot in the semi-final of this year’s FA Cup last time out thanks to a 4-0 romp against relegation scrappers Everton, they should be in for a tough test here. Although Monday’s opponents might have remarkably had to settle for a single point in four of their last five meetings, we’re backing Mikel Arteta’s side to make it six Premier League away victories on the spin at Selhurst Park.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: Unibet