Match Preview: Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal

Palace Seek Revenge Against Arsenal After Midweek League Cup Loss

1 month ago 0 104

Crystal Palace and Arsenal face off again, just days after their League Cup encounter where Arsenal emerged victorious. While Palace initially impressed, taking the lead and holding their own against a weakened Arsenal lineup, the second half saw the Gunners turn the tide. With Arsenal expected to field their strongest XI this time, the challenge for Palace will be even greater, especially with injuries to key players limiting their options.

Form and Context

Crystal Palace:
Palace delivered a stellar performance last weekend, beating rivals Brighton, but their midweek loss to Arsenal highlighted a gap in depth and consistency. Despite a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League (W2, D3), the Eagles have struggled offensively at home, scoring just six goals at Selhurst Park this season—a joint-low alongside Ipswich Town.

The absence of playmaker Eberechi Eze will be a significant blow, further limiting their attacking creativity. Additionally, defender Daniel Munoz remains suspended, and long-term injuries to Matheus Franca and Adam Wharton further deplete manager Oliver Glasner’s options.

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Arsenal:
The Gunners are riding high on confidence after a convincing League Cup performance, where Gabriel Jesus netted a hat trick, showcasing his return to form. Arsenal’s form in the Premier League remains solid, with six unbeaten games (W3, D3), and they have maintained their strong defensive record with 17 clean sheets in 2024—more than any other team.

However, their away defense has shown cracks recently, conceding in six consecutive Premier League away games. Key players like Martin Ødegaard, who orchestrated two assists midweek, and Gabriel Martinelli, with an impressive goal record against Palace, will look to exploit the home side’s vulnerabilities.

Team News

Crystal Palace:

Out: Eberechi Eze (hip injury), Matheus Franca, Adam Wharton (both groin injuries).
Suspended: Daniel Munoz (accumulated yellow cards).
Available: No notable returns.

Arsenal:

Fit: Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori return to full fitness.
Doubtful: Oleksandr Zinchenko (late fitness test).
Out: Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee injury).

Match Facts

Head-to-Head:

Arsenal have won the last four league meetings with Palace by an aggregate score of 12-2.
Palace have lost their last two home matches against Arsenal without scoring.
Arsenal have lost just two of their last 19 away league games at Selhurst Park (W10, D7), with both losses ending 3-0.

Crystal Palace:

Unbeaten in their last five Premier League games (W2, D3), the longest streak this season.
Only one loss in their last eight league matches (W3, D4).
Struggles against London clubs, losing two of three derby matches this season.
Eddie Nketiah, a former Palace player, has failed to score in his last 28 Premier League appearances.

Arsenal:

Six Premier League games unbeaten (W3, D3).
Undefeated in nine London derbies this year (W7, D2).
Leading the league in set-piece goals this season with nine.
Gabriel Martinelli has scored five goals against Palace, his highest tally against any opponent.

Tactical Outlook

Crystal Palace:
Oliver Glasner is likely to adopt a defensive, counter-attacking approach, focusing on compactness and quick transitions. Without Eze, Palace will rely on wide players and set pieces for scoring opportunities.

Arsenal:
Mikel Arteta’s side will aim to dominate possession and press high up the pitch, exploiting Palace’s defensive gaps. The return of Rice and the creativity of Ødegaard should provide control in midfield, while their fluid attacking trio will test Palace’s backline.

Prediction

While Palace have been resilient at home, Arsenal’s quality, depth, and current form should prove too much. With their key players fit and firing, the Gunners are favorites to secure another victory over Palace.

Betting Tip

The Gunners' midweek dominance highlights the gap in quality between the two sides. Despite Palace’s home advantage, the absence of Eze and Arsenal's full-strength lineup should tip the scales.

Bet: Arsenal -1 Handicap, at odds 2.51 with Betsson (3 units).