English Premier
2024-12-21 - Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 21st December 2024 - Kick Off 5:30pm
This game is live on TV
Crystal Palace
They scored early at the Emirates Stadium, but a decision went against Crystal Palace in the second half as they were beaten 3-2 at Arsenal in the League Cup Quarter Final. Despite the final score, there has been a clear improvement in the performances produced by Crystal Palace in recent weeks, which has justified the board's decision to support manager Oliver Glasner.
Beating rivals Brighton will always keep the fans onside and Crystal Palace have been able to move up into 15th place in the Premier League table and remain 4 points clear of the relegation zone. The Eagles have a 1-4-3 record at Selhurst Park in the top flight where they have scored 6 goals and conceded 10.
Crystal Palace had been unbeaten in 5 games in all competitions before the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal, while they have won 2 of their last 3 Premier League fixtures to turn a corner. They may only have won 1 of their last 7 at home in all competitions, but the other side of the coin is that Crystal Palace have lost 1 of their last 4 League games at Selhurst Park.
Adam Wharton is expected to return in early January, while Joel Ward is a doubt. Daniel Munoz was suspended for the League Cup Quarter Final tie and is now serving a one match Premier League suspension.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta was questioned about the importance of winning trophies ahead of the League Cup Quarter Final and his team selection suggested it is a competition he is taking seriously. The manager will also hope the victory over Crystal Palace can spark the Premier League form after a couple of poor results over the last two weeks.
Instead of taking advantage of Liverpool's dropped points, Arsenal are still in 3rd place in the Premier League table and 6 points behind the leaders who also have a game in hand. The pressure is on the squad to avoid falling further behind and The Gunners head to South London with a 3-3-2 away record.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 9 games in all competitions since the Champions League defeat at Inter Milan and they have won 6 of their last 8. However, consecutive Premier League draws with Fulham and Everton have slowed some momentum. The draw at Craven Cottage ended Arsenal's run of consecutive away wins in all competitions.
Declan Rice will need to pass a late fitness test, while Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko are hoping to return after Christmas.
Head to Head
Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick in the League Cup Quarter Final win over Crystal Palace during the week.
Arsenal have completed the Premier League double over Crystal Palace in each of the last two seasons.
They have won on 3 of their last 4 visits to Selhurst Park with the exception being a big win for Crystal Palace.
Prediction
If the League Cup Quarter Final is anything to go by, this could be a really entertaining Premier League fixture and a really tough test for Arsenal as they hope to remain in touch with the leaders.
This was supposed to be the season when Arsenal took the final step and won a big trophy, but Mikel Arteta's team have lacked some consistency in the final third. Scoring three goals in the manner they did against Crystal Palace on Wednesday will have given the team a boost of confidence, but Arsenal have to back that up by winning at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
In recent seasons Arsenal have enjoyed visits to this ground, but the team are going to be tested by this Crystal Palace team that have improved over the last six weeks.
Oliver Glasner has a team that has just rediscovered their attacking threat and who look to be more confident than they had been to open the season.
Crystal Palace may have won 1 of their last 4 home games, but they have played well in draws with Newcastle United and Manchester City. They led the Champions twice in the eventual 2-2 draw, but Daniel Munoz will be a big miss and Arsenal's League Cup win has to give The Gunners the edge in this one.
Chances have been created by Arsenal in draws with Fulham and Everton in the Premier League and it will be important to get on top in this one as soon as possible. Confidence is a little fragile at the moment, but you have to believe the Arsenal quality can help them come through against an improving host.
The 1-3 win at Brighton followed by the performance at the Emirates Stadium is hugely encouraging for Crystal Palace, but they may not be able to freshen up their starting eleven as much as Arsenal. That can be a factor in this busy period and Arsenal's recent successes at this Stadium can see them come through with a win that just puts the pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool to respond twenty-four hours later.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Arsenal to Win & Over 1 Total Goal (Bet Builder) at 1.90 with Bet365 (early payout if a team is leading by two goals)
