Preview and Prediction
This clash might not be a popular London derby but it is a crucial fixture for both teams which are stuck on the mid table. The Gunners are looking for their fifth consecutive wins in all competitions while the Palace is aiming for another victory in the Premier League for improving their position in the standings.
The teams’ previous games
Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the FA cup last weekend. Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre Aubameyang were the scorer of their winning goals. Previously in the Premier League, they crushed West Bromwich Albion 4-0. Such result has brought them closer to the top ten by only three point difference from West Ham on the tenth.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace lost again in FA Cup. This time it was Wolves’ turn to smash them 1-0. Adama Traore bagged a the turn’s vital goal while. In the last outing while welcoming the team at the bottom, Windfred Zaha and Co thumped Sheffield United 2-0. Jeffrey Schlupp’s goal and Erechi Eze’s outstanding solo run gave them the victory they needed.
Possible tactic
Mikel Arteta’s best starting IX seems to be settled with 4-2-3-1 formation. Alexander Lacazette is the main frontman while Pierre Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka operate on both flanks. Unfortunately, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey are still ruled out here.
Roy Hodgson’s classic 4-4-2 is unlikely to change. The Belgium international Christian Benteke and Winfred Zaha are still the best option upfront supported by Eberechi Eze and Andres Townsend on both wings. The Palace’s number of names in the injury table seems to be mounting. There are Mamadou Sakho, Martin Kelly, Scott Danns, Gary Cahill, Jeffrey Schlupp, Martin Hennesey and Conor Wickham.
Players to watch
The Frenchman Alexander Lacazette might have scored four goals in the last three games but the key man to make the difference is the youngster Emile Smith Rowe. The 20-year old man is the one who boosts their confidence in the team. Another notable name to watch is the Spanish defender Pablo Mari.
The Palace’s top performers this season is none but the Ivorian Winfred Zaha registering eight goals and two assists in the Premier League. Some more key men to watch are the 22-year old Nigerian Eberiche Eze with two goals and assists each and the former Newcastle and Tottenham man, Andros Townsend.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Mikel Arteta’s men are unlikely to stop winning here, especially considering Roy Hodgson’s men’s poor form lately. The visitors are looking for bouncing back but such will be challenging. The win is still more plausible for Pierre Aubameyang and Co.
Betting odds
The Gunners are the clear favourite in the fixture with the odds to win at 3/5, whereas the visitors’s win market is at 33/10. The draw result is at the value of 29/5.
