Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Preview: How to Watch, Predicted Lineups, Score Prediction & Team News

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Smith Rowe; Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang

Crystal Palace: Guaita; Ward, Tomkins, Kouyate, Mitchell; Townsend, McArthur, Riedewald, Eze; Benteke, Zaha

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Score Prediction

No wins against this opposition in four matches, the respective setups of both teams have been telling in all of those encounters.

An extremely effective away side, the speed of break that Palace can produce means they’re always a threat on counter-attacks. Soaking up pressure and springing into action when the time calls for it, boasting Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze in their side they can hurt even the most organised sides.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1348943469281206275

Arsenal are a better defensive unit now. Being caught in transition was one of multiple Achilles heel’s the side had, an area since improved drastically under Arteta’s tutelage. There are still vulnerabilities in that department, such as Hector Bellerin‘s struggles in defending when facing his own goal, but overall it’s a sturdier package.

Nullifying those threats and keeping themselves compact for breakaways to cut out passing lanes will be key, hence why Party should come straight into the team for this fixture. All of that is his bread and butter and even if he hasn’t played since the North London Derby, his mere presence alone will provide Arsenal the platform to express themselves.

Does that constitute victory? While I have absolute faith in the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Saka, they can’t keep dragging their teammates out of the mud, which is why it’s great to see Alexandre Lacazette hit form and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang score from open play.

With other players stepping up to the plate – not to mention the relentless Kieran Tierney – Arsenal can ease the pressure on the youngsters. Throw Partey and Gabriel into the mix and the team looks finitely stronger.

Should be enough for Palace.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace