After months of build-up and speculation, the Premier League finally makes it's return this weekend in a season that is set to be like no other. There will be some tweaks to how the campaign is played out, from the reintroduction of the five substitution rule all the way to a winter break as the 2022 World Cup is being hosted in Qatar in November and December,
Surrounding that, each club will be doing their best after completing pre-season and a whole host of transfers. One of those sides with excitement surrounding their season is Arsenal, who have spent big in the market so far.
Mikel Arteta has brought in five players so far, spending over £100million with the aim of making a return to the top four and Champions League football. To do that, they will need to have the best start possible, with the first game against a familiar face.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Takehiro Tomiyasu's fitness, Bernd Leno and Arsenal transfers
That is, of course, Patrick Vieira and his Crystal Palace side. The Eagles proved to be a problem for a number of teams last year, including the Gunners - who only managed one point from a possible six available against their London rivals with Alexandre Lacazette scoring a last-minute equaliser at the Emirates Stadium before a 3-0 loss at Selhurst Park later in the season.
With a new campaign on the horizon, plenty have tried to make a prediction as to how the game will play out. With that said, here's a look at how a few pundits have predicted this tie.
Paul Merson - Sportskeeda
Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson has called upon the Gunners to win their first match to avoid being seen as the same old side that struggles under pressure. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: "Arsenal need to make a statement now. This is a big game for them, because they need to lay down a foundation.
"If they lose here, people will assume that they're flaky and still the same old Arsenal. If they want to make it to the top four this season, they need to win this game."
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
Chris Sutton - BBC Sport
Following the retirement of Mark Lawrenson, former Norwich and Blackburn striker Chris Sutton has taken over with predictions for the BBC. The pundit believes that a good pre-season for Arsenal and a different Palace side will contribute heavily towards the result at Selhurst Park.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "Arsenal have had a great pre-season, while I'm not sure Crystal Palace are the same threat now Conor Gallagher has gone back to Chelsea. It's still a tough game for Mikel Arteta's side, but everything is pointing towards a Gunners win."
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
Lewis Jones - Sky Sports
Despite their run heading into the season, Sky Sports tipster Lewis Jones has backed against the Gunners in their season opener. He said: "Despite their impressive pre-season work, I'm very doubtful on whether Arsenal can run through this massive gauntlet and come out with maximum points. Palace only suffered defeat in four Premier League home games last season - only Chelsea (3), Man City (2) and Liverpool (0) lost fewer.
"And, Patrick Vieira's team took 14 points off the 'big six' last season, including beating Arsenal 3-0 at Selhurst Park in convincing fashion and drawing 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium."
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Arsenal
READ NEXT:
Arsenal predicted XI vs Crystal Palace as Jesus and Saliba make debuts but Tomiyasu misses out
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Big Arsenal Forum: Answer the call as we ask fans 7 key questions
Tierney moves one step closer to Arsenal return as Smith Rowe suspicion is confirmed in training
