There is something about Arsenal ahead of this season that makes you think they could surprise a few critics as we approach the Premier League opener at Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta's side has grown quickly and signs during the pre-season suggest they are ready to go that extra bit further and get Champions League football.
The Gunners are 10/11 favourites with Betfred ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park while Patrick Vieira's side are 17/5. The Eagles managed to get four points out of their north London neighbours last season including a 3-0 win at home in April which is 66/1 if it were to happen again.
While a documentary may keep some people pre-occupied going into the new season, Arteta will have his sights on a top four finish and with his side looking more like a group of players he wants and can work with - you cannot help but to perhaps back them to return there at 6/4.
With the new signings settling in including trio Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira, we could well see a newly-shaped Arsenal formation.
For the Eagles, the aim is simple. To build on last season and with a number of shrewd transfer moves including Malcolm Ebiowei on a free from Derby County and Cheick Doucoure from Len for £20m, it is clear Vieira is looking to build the team with what he already has at his disposal. It will be interesting to see how they cope without Conor Gallagher this season, however.
Follow the Inside Track on Facebook and Twitter.
Tips
18+ | Gamble responsibly | begambleaware.org | Odds subject to change
Players to watch
For Arsenal, all eyes will be on how well Gabriel Jesus hits the ground running for his new club. After six season at Manchester City, the Brazilian looks set to be Arsenal's main attacking threat - something he did not get the chance for at his former club. He is 4/1 to score first and 5/4 anytime.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (15/2 anytime), Jordan Ayew (9/2) and Wilfried Zaha (9/4) will be at the forefront of their minds after the last time they came down to Selhurst Park. A 3-0 humbling was not in the script as the Gunners missed out on Champions League last season and Arteta will be expecting his side to come home with all three points.
Head-to-head record
This will be the 52nd meeting between the two sides in all competitions with Arsenal picking up 29 wins, 16 draws and six defeats. In the league, this will be the 45th meeting between the clubs with the Gunners picking up 25 wins, 14 draws and five losses in that time.
Gamble responsibly
Everyone at The Inside Track and Reach plc are committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org.
