Prediction: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
After over two months of waiting, the Premier League is back this weekend with a whole host of fixtures for fans to sink their teeth into. Another campaign full of drama, twists and turns lies ahead with all 20 clubs having their own expectations for what’s ahead. On Friday night, the action gets underway with what promises to be a banger in the capital as Crystal Palace play host to Arsenal.
Crystal Palace
The guidance of Patrick Vieira has been integral to changing the fortunes of this Crystal Palace team and as we look ahead to their immediate future, you’d have to imagine they’ll be looking ahead as opposed to behind them. They’ve lost a few names of value but the biggest gain they’ve had is confidence, and that should carry them far above any potential relegation battle.
Team News
Butland, McArthur and Johnstone will all miss the start of the new campaign through injury. Olise will hope to overcome a foot injury to feature with Doucoure being tipped to start from the word go.
Arsenal
Arsenal fans were understandably disappointed to miss out on Champions League football last season but they did make some form of progress, even if it isn’t particularly easy to see at first glance. Their exploits in the summer transfer window should lead many to believe things can be different this time around, especially with a revived manager and fanbase at their disposal.
Team News
Zinchenko and Jesus will start after signing for the Gunners this summer with the following players being listed as fitness concerns: Tomiyasu, Smith Rowe, Vieira and Tierney.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting back in April, Palace beat Arsenal 3-0.
- Arsenal finished 5th in the Premier League last season with 69 points.
- Palace finished 12th in the Premier League last season with 48 points.
- Palace beat Montpellier 4-2 in their final pre-season friendly.
- Arsenal beat Sevilla 6-0 in their final pre-season friendly.
Conclusion
Arsenal have a habit of choking in games like this, as they did this time last year against Brentford. Alas, it just feels like there’s something in the North London water this time around and we’re intrigued to see how far Mikel Arteta can take it. We expect the visitors to take their time and pick Palace off at will by the time we get to the second half, ending in a 3-1 win for the Gunners.
Prediction: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
