Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Preview

• Arsenal to win
• Both teams to score

Crystal Palace host Arsenal in a quick-fire rematch after their midweek EFL Cup quarter-final clash, which saw the Gunners edge out a 3-2 victory.

This Premier League encounter presents an opportunity for Palace to avenge that defeat and for Arsenal to maintain their push to close the gap on the top of the table.

Crystal Palace: Seeking Home Revival

Crystal Palace remain precariously close to the relegation zone despite showing signs of improvement in recent weeks.

A run of just one loss in their last eight league games (W3, D4) has offered some respite, and a stunning 3-1 win at Brighton last weekend underlined their potential.

However, Palace’s home form remains a significant concern, with just one Premier League win at Selhurst Park this season (D4, L3).

Manager Oliver Glasner will be eager to end their four-match league losing streak against Arsenal, especially after expressing frustration with his side’s timid approach in the EFL Cup defeat.

Key Player: Eddie Nketiah

A summer signing from Arsenal, Nketiah is yet to find the net in the Premier League for Palace but broke his duck in the midweek cup clash. Facing his former side again, the striker will look to carry that momentum into Saturday’s game.

Arsenal: Fighting to Stay in the Title Race

Arsenal’s goalless draw against Everton last weekend was a frustrating setback in their pursuit of the Premier League summit.

The Gunners now sit six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, having played a game more, leaving little room for further errors.

Mikel Arteta’s side has struggled on the road, winning just one of their last six away league matches (D3, L2).

Defensive frailties have been a recurring issue, with Arsenal failing to keep a clean sheet in any of those outings—a five-year high for their longest away run without a shutout.

Despite these challenges, Arsenal remain formidable in London derbies, boasting an unbeaten record in such fixtures throughout 2024 (W7, D2). A win here would cap off an impressive calendar year in capital clashes and keep them in touching distance of the league leaders.

Key Player: Gabriel Jesus

The Brazilian forward stole the show in midweek with a hat-trick, showcasing his ability to deliver in key moments. With an excellent personal record against Palace (W10, D2, L2), Jesus could once again be Arsenal’s decisive figure.

Tactical Battle

• Crystal Palace: Glasner will look to leverage Palace’s defensive organisation and counter-attacking prowess. The Eagles must be clinical with limited chances, especially through Nketiah and Eberechi Eze, while keeping Arsenal’s attackers in check will require a disciplined backline.
• Arsenal: Arteta’s side will aim to control possession and press high, utilising Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka to exploit gaps in Palace’s defence. The Gunners will need to improve their defensive transitions to avoid being caught on the break, a key strength of Palace’s game.

What’s at Stake?

• Crystal Palace: A win would secure back-to-back league victories for the first time since May, further distancing the Eagles from the relegation zone.
• Arsenal: Victory is crucial to stay within striking distance of the Premier League summit and maintain their unbeaten London derby record in 2024.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Arsenal have won their last four league meetings with Crystal Palace.
• Palace have won just one Premier League match at home this season (D4, L3).
• Arsenal are unbeaten in London derbies throughout 2024 (W7, D2).
• Eddie Nketiah scored for Palace in the midweek cup tie but is yet to score in the league for his new club.

Prediction

Crystal Palace have shown resilience in recent weeks, but their struggles at home and Arsenal’s superior firepower suggest the Gunners will edge this encounter.

Expect Palace to pose challenges on the counter, but Arsenal’s quality in attack, particularly through Gabriel Jesus, could make the difference.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

With points vital for both sides—Palace to stay clear of danger and Arsenal to keep their title hopes alive—this London derby promises intensity and drama. Can Palace spring a surprise, or will Arsenal’s derby dominance continue? Fans are in for a thrilling encounter at Selhurst Park.

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Crystal Palace v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League