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

Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Thursday. Here is the match preview.

Oh, this lot. Yes sir, it’s Crystal Palace who head to the Emirates Stadium on Thusday, a side Arsenal have enjoyed no joy against in recent seasons.

Without a win against the Eagles in the last four meetings, most notable during that run was the infamous Granit Xhaka incident in the reverse fixture last season. There will be no supporters to applaud his departure if he has another stinker on this occasion, but we needn’t worry about that, should we?

Arsenal are flying high in the dizzying reaches of 11th place, with four wins in all competitions fueling the confidence fires. It’s three on the spin in the Premier League, where new personnel have contributed to a vastly improved style of play.

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Greater urgency, movement and interchangeability have all played their part in more enjouyable results and performances. Sitting six points off the top four, victory coupled with other favourable outcomes could see the Gunners claw their way further up the table, albeit only marginally in terms of league position.

Of course, it’s far too soon to start dreaming of finishing in the Champions League places. But three games ago it appeared relegation was the most likely outcome, and the corner turned by Arsenal is one of a labyrinth of winding passageways to tackle before lofty ambitions can be set.

Beat Palace in midweek and it does maintain the upward trajectory, one that could be helped on its way by continued movements in the transfer window. Players have gone, more are still expected to leave and others could come in.

Whatever the outcome of Thursday’s fixture when the whistle blows for full-time, Arsenal may either be storming their way up the to top four or sinking their way back down. Guess what? It’s a big game.

Here’s your preview.

How to Watch on TV

When Is Kick Off? Thursday 14 January
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? The Emirates Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports (UK) fuboTV (USA)
Referee? Andre Marriner

Arsenal Team News

Guess who’s back? Back again? Partey’s back, tell a friend.

That’s right, the big-money marquee signing from Atletico Madrid is set to return from another thigh injury to face Roy Hodgson’s side. Since making the £45m switch, Arsenal have only seen Thomas Partey complete 90 minutes on three occasions, not the return expected when he put pen to paper.

Struck with the curse of north London, injuries have hampered his start to (new) red and white life. Speaking on the official club website, Arteta provided news that was music to supporters’ ears.

"“Thomas has been in full training for the last four or five days, he’s completely asymptomatic,” he revealed. “It would be a little bit rushed to try and play him against Newcastle but I think he will be ready for Thursday.”"

The manager’s confidence is welcome, and although he isn’t certain to start the game, signs are that he will. Elsewhere, Gabriel Magalhaes is still getting some of his fitness back having not been able to train for a few weeks, and while he’s recovered from COVID-19, Thursday might just be too soon for him.

Regarding Gabriel Martinelli, he was touch and go for the visit of the Eagles after twisting his ankle in midweek. If it was down to the Brazilian he’d play, but Arsenal are going to be slightly more cautious than the 19-year-old with Newcastle in the following clash more reasonable. It was confirmed by the club that he’ll return to training in the ‘next few days’.

As for Palace, they’re sweating on the fitness of Gary Cahill and Scott Dann, who both missed their FA Cup clash with Wolves, while Jeffrey Schlupp will be given a late fitness test.

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