Arsenal v Crystal Palace Tips

Arsenal will look to extend their five-game Premier League winning streak when they face managerless and out-of-form Crystal Palace in a crucial encounter this weekend.

The London derby is the sole offering from the top-flight on Sunday due to the focus on FA Cup quarter-finals, but Peter Galindo has run a fine tooth comb through this match-up and provided two tasty bets.

Firing Gunners

Arsenal were eliminated from the Europa League on penalties during the week, but that could be a blessing in disguise as they push for their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years.

However, the elimination delivered a hammer-blow in the form of injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba. Both players exited Thursday’s game before the 21st minute, which leaves their participation in doubt for this fixture.

On the bright side, Gabriel Jesus made his second substitute appearance on his return from injury and looked solid in his 45-minute spell. The Brazilian striker logged two shots on target and should be in line to receive more time on Sunday.

Should that occur, expect another lively performance from Jesus against a Palace defence that will try to prove difficult to break down.

Life without Vieira

After a 12-game winless streak, Crystal Palace sacked manager Patrick Vieira and three of his backroom staff on Friday morning. A slightly different starting squad and amended tactics should be expected for this game, but it would be a surprise if they didn’t try to remain stingy at the back.

Palace have conceded multiple goals on just two occasions in 2023 - and they came against Manchester United and Tottenham. Logic dictates that another member of the “big six” could run up the score, but it’s worth remembering that Palace held Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea to a combined two goals earlier this year.

Their issue has been their attack. Palace have gone four consecutive games without a goal with little sign of turning it around so, while Arsenal’s defence will be buoyed by this development, it could take extra effort to find a breakthrough.

Another ‘professional’ win?

Manchester City have been the only side to walk out of the Emirates with a win in the Premier League this season. In fact, Arsenal have only dropped points three times at home.

Given Palace’s futility in front of goal, it’s hard to back against Arsenal snatching all three points. But, with Jesus’ return and a growing tendency to grind out wins, Sunday’s game might be tougher than anticipated.