Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates and will look to make quick work of the Eagles, who still haven’t secured their spot in England’s top flight for next season.
Arsenal seemingly have nothing to play for, and one could assume that they’ve moved on to pre-season. Crystal Palace still havent entirely secured their position as an EPL club for next season, but relegation from this point seems highly unlikely. Pardew will look to make sure that his side aren’t distracted by next Sunday’s FA Cup tie vs Watford.
Current Form
Arsenal
The Gunners are in a mixed run of form. Since ending all hopes for a trophy after their 3-1 loss at the Nou camp, Arsenal have managed to get 2 straight victories against Everton and Watford before playing out a 3-3 draw at West Ham.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles still haven’t secured Premier League status for next season and will look to try and put up an intense fight. Pardew’s side are on a bad run of form, with only 2 wins in their last 6 games, with only one of them in the Premier league.
Possible Starting Lineups
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger will likely recall Petr Cech into the starting XI after choosing to go with David Ospina in the previous game vs West Ham. Wilshere, Cazorla, Oxlade Chamberlain and Rosicky are all out for the gunners in the short term.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Cech; Monreal, Gabriel, Koscielny, Bellerin; Elneny, Coquelin; Sancehz, Ozil, Iwobi, Welbeck
Crystal Palace
The Eagles will be without Gayle and Appiah, who are both long term absentees. Zaha and McArthur are doubtful and will be subject to late fitness tests.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Hennessey; Souare, Delaney, Dann, Ward; Jedinak, Cabaye; Puncheon, Bolaise, Sako; Adebayor
Key Statistics
- Crystal Palace striker Emmanuel Adebayor has scored on two of his last three appearances at the Emirates, whilst playing for the opposition.
- Arsenal have not won any of their 3 London derbies at home in the League this season, drawing one and losing 2.
- Arsenal have won 10 and lost just once in their 13 EPL games against Crystal Palace.
- Olivier Giroud has scored in three of his four Premier League starts against Crystal Palace.
- A victory for Arsenal tomorrow will be their 500th in the Premier League.
- Crystal Palace have not won in 7 away Premier League games this season.
Predictions
Arsenal 3 – 1 Crystal Palace
History favours the Gunners in this fixture. The Gunners are almost unplayable when they play without pressure. With title chances already squandered and Champions League almost secure, Arsenal will be their usual free flowing self and are sure to give Crystal Palace a hard time. Adebayor’s return should be one to look to look out for, which the Togolese international racking up a decent record while facing Arsenal.
Odds
- Arsenal Win : 1/3
- Draw : 4/1
- Crystal Palace Win : 9/1