Ahead of Saturday’s late kick-off, we have the Crystal Palace vs Arsenal preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Crystal Palace Vs Arsenal Preview
After their narrow EFL Cup quarter-final exit on Wednesday, Crystal Palace will be gunning for revenge at Selhurst Park on gameweek 17.
The Eagles 3-2 defeat in north London will certainly fuel the fire needed to go one better in front of their own supporters.
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring before Oliver Glasner’s side felt the wrath of Gabriel Jesus. The born-again Brazilian netted a hat-trick before Eddie Nketiah scored a late consolation.
Glasner will have been relatively happy with his side’s efforts. There were plenty of positives to take away ahead of the Premier League re-match.
Last time out in England’s elite, Palace recorded a fine win over bitter rivals Brighton at the Amex. Trevoh Chalobah scored the opener before Ismaila Sarr hit a brace to help secure a 3-1 win.
Making noise all game long 🎶
We thank YOU for creating a special atmosphere last night ❤️💙#CPFC pic.twitter.com/369e7r5diZ
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 19, 2024
Arsenal‘s progression to the EFL Cup semi-final provided the perfect distraction to their stuttering league form. On gameweek 16, the Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw with Everton.
That stalemate meant the north Londoners failed to make up ground on leaders Liverpool. The Reds dropped points at home to Fulham who still have a game in hand.
Nonetheless, the Gunners will need to focus upon themselves and aim to get back to winning ways in SE25. The omen is certainly good for boss Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard has won his last five games against the Eagles in all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-3. You have to go back to the league clash at Selhurst Park in 2022 for the last Palace win. A certain Patrick Vieira was in charge of the hosts on that occasion.
Ahead of the match, the best football betting sites in the UK have all the latest markets, odds, price boosts and enhanced accas.
Crystal Palace Vs Arsenal Team News
Daniel Munoz will be missing for Crystal Palace owing to suspension. The Colombian received his fifth booking of the season against Brighton last Sunday.
Nathaniel Clyne is set for a recall in defence after teenager Caleb Kporha was given a surprise start on Wednesday night.
Joel Ward will need to be assessed but Adam Wharton, Rob Holding, Chadi Riad and Matheus Franca are all ruled out for the Eagles.
Meanwhile, Arsenal once again have defensive injury problems to navigate. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still absent and doubts remain over the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori.
Therefore, Kieran Tierney may be given more game time after starting in the EFL Cup clash. Myles Lewis-Skelly is also in contention.
Hat-trick hero Gabriel Jesus is set for a place on the bench. Record signing Declan Rice will be back in the starting XI after being rested midweek.
A performance fit for the matchball.
Last night's Player of the Match: Gabriel Jesus 👏 pic.twitter.com/LhZx0fJHHG
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 19, 2024
Crystal Palace Vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Hughes, Doucoure, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Crystal Palace Vs Arsenal Prediction
Saturday’s London derby promises to be an exciting battle as both sides do it all again. However, Crystal Palace opted to use more first-team stars on Wednesday and will therefore be feeling more fatigued.
That in itself should give Arsenal the advantage needed to get back to winning ways. Recent history also favours the Gunners so that is why we are predicting a close win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-3 Arsenal
