Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips for Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal for English Premier League
Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips for Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal for English Premier League
One of several London derbies this year is scheduled to close the second round of the English Premier League. Crystal Palace hosts Arsenal at Selhurst, hoping to earn another win and open the season above expectations. Meanwhile, the Gunners come after a solid performance in Round 1 over Nottingham, but not as great as many would hope. We’ve seen some glitches in their game, and one more issue is Timber’s injury. The Spanish manager has no other option but to face adversities and, if possible, solve them.
Crystal Palace
Three points taken at Bramall Lane are a great boost for Roy Hodgson’s boys, who are now relaxed before the clash against Arsenal. The Eagles outplayed the Blades in every aspect of play, presenting one flamboyant football.
Of course, United is one of the relegation candidates, and they aren’t a measure of one’s strength, but still, the way Palace controlled the situation on the field needs to be acknowledged. They had twice as more of the ball possession and posted 24 shots, eight on target.
The post-Zaha era started in a perfect way for the Eagles, and it seems that Hodgson’s plan to start the preseason in July and have plenty of games throughout summer was precisely due to this.
Arsenal
The first half against Nottingham Forest was superb for the Gunners. They were up 2-0, being confident and dominant, not allowing the guests to breathe. But as soon as the second 45 minutes started, Timber’s injury deflated the hosts, and Forest used that in the end, missing a chance to level the score.
After Jesus, Timber is the second starter who is out, and that’s already alarming for Arteta. We don’t need to tell you that the Gunners are at least 50% stronger with the Brazilian on the field and that his contribution to the attack is incredible.
Counting in the preseason, this was the fifth consecutive game in which Arsenal’s defense conceded. With Timber out of the picture, the back-line will be under heavy pressure.
Crystal Palace: Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Clyne; Doucoure, Lerma; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Arsenal was better than Palace in both meetings last year. The first was at Selhurst, 0-2 for the Gunners, and the second at the Emirates, 4-1, also for Arsenal.
The hosts will come in heavy in this one, sensing they might use the problems in Arsenal’s shaky defense. Meanwhile, the Gunners have a fantastic attack, able to score against any team in Europe, but as stated, the defense is vulnerable. That’s why we pick both teams to net here.
Our verdict: Both teams to score