Premier League: why goals can be expected at Selhurst Park

The latest round of Premier League fixtures ends in south London as two clubs from the capital go head-to-head on Monday night. Here’s what we expect to happen at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal under pressure for first time all season

Everyone connected with Arsenal would have gladly accepted being in this position at the start of April were they offered it last summer. The Gunners finished eighth last term. They began the current campaign as outsiders to qualify for the Champions League. Yet with 10 matches left to play – more than any of the teams around them – Arsenal are three points clear in fourth place.

However, it is precisely because Mikel Arteta’s side are ahead of schedule that they now find themselves under pressure. Arsenal are a 1.67 chance of finishing in the top four, making them heavy favourites ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

For the first time this season, Arsenal have the weight of expectations on their shoulders. Dealing with that productively will be a test of character for this young team. An away game at Crystal Palace is exactly the sort of match that will show us whether Arsenal have what it takes to get the job done when the heat is on.

Arsenal seeking Champions League return

In-form Palace can cause Arsenal problems

Make no mistake, this will not be an easy match for Arteta’s men. Only Liverpool and Manchester City have collected more points at home than Arsenal, but the north Londoners are inconsistent on the road: their 13 away games so far have yielded seven wins, one draw and five defeats.

Crystal Palace head into this encounter in fine form. They thrashed Everton 4-0 in the last eight of the FA Cup before the international break, setting up a semi-final meeting with Chelsea later this month. Their last league game saw Patrick Vieira’s side hold Manchester City to a 0-0 draw, extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to four matches.

Palace did a particularly good job of shutting City down in the first half – a draw at the interval on Monday is priced generously at 2.08. Arsenal have scored in six of their last seven Premier League games, while Manchester City and Chelsea are the only teams to have stopped Palace finding the net at Selhurst Park since August. With that in mind, both teams to score at 1.98 is appealing.

Consider Saka in goalscorer market

Bukayo Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad after testing positive for Covid-19, but the youngster has been cleared to play against Palace on Monday night. With the top-four race still tight, Arteta is sure to start Saka as long as he feels sufficiently fit and well.

The England international was criticised by Aston Villa’s manager and players before the international break, despite the fact he was the victim of some poor challenges during Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Villa Park. Saka, whose maturity on and off the field belies his tender years, will take such comments in his stride.

The 20-year-old is enjoying a fantastic campaign so far with nine goals and five assists to his name in the Premier League. Do not pass up a price of 3.1 on Saka reaching double figures on Monday.

Recommended bets

BTTS @ 1.98

Draw half-time @ 2.08

Saka anytime @ 3.1