Crystal Palace vs Arsenal predictions: Premier League tips and odds
Our betting expert has three Crystal Palace vs Arsenal tips for the Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park tonight (8pm kick-off). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal betting tips
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Weakened Palace could struggle to score
After winning on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, both the Eagles and the Gunners will be hoping to make it two from two when they meet this evening.
Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace squeezed past Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane. Arsenal, at home for their first game, got the better of Nottingham Forest in a 2-1 success at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners beat the Eagles in both meetings last season, winning 6-1 on aggregate, and they will be confident of picking up another three points.
After 12 matches without a win last season, the Palace board sacked Patrick Vieira and turned to Hodgson in a decision that was not universally praised.
But the veteran soon silenced his doubters. The Eagles won six games before the end of the campaign to comfortably avoid relegation, and the former England coach has received another chance to prove himself.
Sadly for Hodgson, he lost forward Wilfried Zaha in the summer, with the Ivory Coast international joining Turkish club Galatasaray. While Michael Olise is now staying at Selhurst Park after signing a new contract, he is injured and unavailable tonight, leaving Eberechi Eze as Palace’s main attacking threat.
That may not be enough to trouble Arsenal, who have only lost two of their previous 12 matches against Palace. Only Manchester City and Newcastle United conceded fewer goals than Mikel Arteta’s side last season, and with Declan Rice now in midfield the Gunners should have no problems keeping Palace at bay.
- Crystal Palace vs Arsenal tip 1: Arsenal to win to nil @ 13/8 with Sky Bet
Star duo to lead by example
Arteta got the best out of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka last season, with the Brazilian scoring 15 and the England man 14.
The pair caused plenty of problems last week during the 2-1 success over Forest, with Martinelli setting Eddie Nketiah up for the first, while Saka’s curling effort was a moment to savour.
Martinelli and Saka scored twice each during the meetings against Palace last season, and they look likely to again trouble the Eagles’ rearguard.
- Crystal Palace vs Arsenal tip 2: Both players to score – Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli @ 10/1 with Sky Bet
Arsenal to set the tempo in south London
Even though they missed out on last year’s Premier League title, Arsenal made some huge strides under Arteta.
The Gunners dominated games and were eventual champions Manchester City’s closest challengers by a distance, and may do the same again.
Arsenal will be the side dictating the tempo of tonight’s contest in south London.
While Hodgson’s sides are normally sound defensively, the current Gunners squad possess so much pace and quality in the final third that they should be able to score in both halves.
While we expect Saka to net, he is just as dangerous at setting up his teammates, and he will no doubt create chances for Martinelli, Nketiah and possibly Kai Havertz if he is given the nod to start.
With that in mind, Palace right back Joel Ward will no doubt walk the disciplinary tightrope. He is likely to come up against Martinelli for most of the game – but if Saka swaps flanks, he will do well to avoid conceding free kicks on what could be a long night for the hosts.
- Crystal Palace vs Arsenal tip 3: #BetBuilder – Joe Ward to commit 2+ fouls, Bukayo Saka to score or assist, a goal in both halves – yes @ 4/1 with Sky Bet
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal odds
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
