Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium tonight for an important Premier League clash, with both sides balancing domestic ambitions and looming cup priorities. The Gunners are aiming to cement second place and maintain momentum ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain next week. Kick-off is at 8pm.
Mikel Arteta’s side enter the fixture in strong form, unbeaten in 11 matches and fresh from a commanding 4-0 win at Ipswich last Sunday. However, injuries continue to shape the squad. Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, Jorginho, and Riccardo Calafiori are all sidelined Bukayo Saka, who suffered an ankle knock at the weekend, is available for selection after being declared fit by Arteta, though he is likely to be rested for the PSG game.
Leandro Trossard, in fine scoring form, could retain his place up front, while Gabriel Martinelli—who boasts six goals in nine league games against Palace—remains a key attacking threat. Expect opportunities for squad players like Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arteta manages minutes before the European showdown.
Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, sit 12th in the table and are eyeing their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa this weekend, which may prompt squad rotation tonight. Defensive options are limited after Chris Richards’ red card, with Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure also out injured. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze remain Palace’s main attacking outlets, but Glasner could rest key players to keep them fresh for Wembley.
Palace’s recent league form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five, and they have struggled defensively on the road—conceding ten goals in their last two away matches.
Arsenal have dominated this fixture historically, winning the last six meetings in all competitions, including a 5-1 rout at Selhurst Park in December. The Gunners have scored 13 goals in their last three encounters with Palace, conceding only three. With both sides likely to rotate, Arsenal’s superior squad depth and home advantage make them clear favourites.
Prediction
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace (5/1 with 888sport)
Expect Arsenal to control possession and create the better chances, while Palace may struggle to threaten without several regulars and with Wembley on their minds.
