By Ian King
Form
Arsenal have only lost once in the Premier League since the first weekend in November, but their lack of a number nine has hurt them in recent weeks, with four of their last seven matches having ended in draws. Their title race will be over should they lose this match. Palace’s goalless draw against Bournemouth at the weekend will have been a relief after having conceded five in two successive matches against Manchester City and Newcastle United. They are 12th in the Premier League, because Crystal Palace are always 12th in the Premier League.
History
Arsenal have been victorious in the last six matches between these two sides in all competitions, with Palace’s last win in it coming at Selhurst Park in April 2022. Palace’s record against Arsenal doesn’t really improve with age. That win was one of just three against Arsenal in 31 meetings in all competitions in just over thirty years. Arsenal beat Palace 5-1 in the corresponding fixture at The Emirates Stadium just before Christmas.
Key Players
Bukayo Saka has had an eventful week, missing a penalty but then scoring as Arsenal knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League and then getting booed by Leicester supporters as his team relegated them back to the Championship last weekend. He’s not the number nine who might have kept them closer to Liverpool in the title race, but his return from injury has given their attacking options an extra dimension again.
Palace haven’t even scored in their last two Premier League matches, so all eyes will be on Eberechi Eze to try and do something to reverse that. Eze remains one of the Premier League’s most sought-after players, with a tug-of-war between Manchester United and Aston Villa for his services currently being played out in the background to this match. This would be an appropriate venue to add a few pounds to his transfer value.
Team News
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber should all return to the Arsenal team, but Jorginho, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhães, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori all remain injured. Mikel Arteta will have one eye on their upcoming Champions League semi-final against PSG next week. Chris Richards is suspended for Palace following his sending off against Bournemouth at the weekend. Nathaniel Clyne should deputise. Adam Wharton may be rested as he continues to return from injury.
Prediction
Arsenal could be forgiven for having their attention elsewhere this week. The Premier League title race is pretty much over, and their Champions League chase continues next week against PSG. But Palace aren’t in great form at the moment and they have a pretty terrible record against Arsenal going back decades. They also recently conceded five in two straight games. All signs point to a comfortable win for the home side and for Liverpool’s champagne to remain on ice until this weekend at the earliest. 3-0 to the Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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