Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

The second round of the 2023/24 Premier League season comes to a close on Monday evening, when Crystal Palace welcome Arsenal to Selhurst Park. It should be an interesting contest, with the Eagles looking to hold off the Gunners who will be hoping to mount another title challenge after the disappointment of the previous campaign.

Crystal Palace

Palace started the season rather well, returning victorious from their trip to Bramall Lane where they got the better of newly promoted Sheffield United. Even without players like Wilfried Zaha or Michael Olise, they picked up the three points thanks to a 49th-minute strike from Odsonne Edouard, the only goal of the game.

While it might be a stretch to expect Palace to maintain a European berth throughout the season, their opening victory has provided them with a solid foundation to build upon. Their chance to secure consecutive wins in the opening games is an opportunity to show consistency and potentially exceed expectations.

Palace’s strong home record from last season, where they turned Selhurst Park into a fortress, could work in their favor. Their ability to secure points against top teams like Liverpool and Manchester United at home indicates that they can pose a challenge to any opponent on their home turf.

However, it’s worth noting that Roy Hodgson’s men struggled against fellow teams from the capital last season, with most of their home defeats coming from these matchups. This could be a big challenge as they face Arsenal, who have shown strength in local rivalries.

Team News

Palace fans will be pleased with Michael Olise spurning a Chelsea offer recently to sign a new contract with the club, but his ongoing recovery from a severe thigh injury is a concern. His absence could be felt given his significant role in the team’s midfield section.

The delay in midfielder Matheus Franca’s debut due to a lower back problem might be disappointing for both the player and the club, as new signings are usually eager to make an impact as early as possible. Will Hughes’s knee injury sustained in pre-season is another setback, prolonging his return to full fitness.

However, the positive news is that the cramp that troubled defender Marc Guehi doesn’t seem to be a significant concern, and he should be available for the Arsenal clash.

With Sam Johnstone between the posts, the centre-back duo of Joachim Andersen and Guehi will be flanked by Joel Ward and Tyrick Mitchell. Jefferson Lerma and Cheickou Doucoure are expected to pair up in the middle of the park, while the trio of Jordan Ayew, Eberechi Eze and Jeffrey Schlupp support Edouard upfront.

Arsenal

Arsenal also won their opening game of the season, though not as convincingly as many would’ve expected. They played at home against Nottingham Forest, and after Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka gave them a two-goal lead, things got a bit more serious towards the end when Taiwo Awoniyi struck for the visitors, with eight minutes of the 90 plus stoppage time still to go. But when the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard still stood at 2-1.

Arsenal’s impressive defensive record on away territory from last season, with 10 clean sheets, is certainly a strength that they would like to carry forward into the new campaign. This solidity at the back was a significant factor in their away form, which saw them collect 39 points, the most in the league.

The history of Arsenal losing all four of their Monday night games under Mikel Arteta’s management is an interesting quirk but might not necessarily reflect their current form or ability. Football is full of these kinds of historical oddities that don’t always have a direct impact on the present.

Their success in London derbies last season, winning 10 out of 12, showcases their prowess against local rivals.

Team News

Gabriel Jesus’s knee injury will keep the Brazilian attacker out for another month, but Nketiah has shown on numerous occasions that he’s more than a capable replacement. New defender Jurrien Timber will be out for much longer than that, having torn his ACL on his Premier League debut. Midfielder Mohamed Elneny is also out with a knee problem.

On the other hand, the versatility of Oleksandr Zinchenko could be at Arteta’s disposal with the Ukraine international on his way back from a groin injury. Striker Folarin Balogun (foot) and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (muscle) face late fitness tests.

Aaron Ramsey will be in goal, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of defence, flanked by Ben White and Zinchenko. Newcomer Declan Rice and Thomas Partey should provide stability in the middle of the park, with Martin Odegaard tasked with creation from his No. 10 position. Gabriel Martinelli and Saka are expected to flank Nketiah upfront.

Conclusion

Palace will surely do what they can to hinder Arsenal’s title plans in this game. However, the Gunners are likely prove too strong for the home side to deal with.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet