Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Crystal Palace host Arsenal in the Premier League this evening as they search for revenge against the Gunners.

The Eagles were knocked out of the Carabao Cup quarter-finals by Arsenal in midweek, after a narrow 3-2 loss at the Emirates.

Gabriel Jesus netted a hat-trick for Arsenal after Jean-Philippe Mateta had given the visitors an early lead.

Oliver Glasner will have to deal without talisman Eberechi Eze tonight as he is ruled out with a foot injury. The Austrian tactician will also have to reshuffle in defence with wing-back Daniel Munoz is suspended.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has seen his options strengthened over the week with Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice both ready for action. Calafiori hasn’t featured since the end of November and his timely return will aid Arsenal amid a congested festive schedule.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news

Form

Crystal Palace: DWDWL

Aside from that defeat to Arsenal in midweek, Crystal Palace have recently enjoyed a fruitful spell.

Prior to their exit from the Carabao Cup, the Eagles had only lost one of their last nine games. Last weekend, Palace overcame rivals Brighton in a memorable 3-1 win on the South Coast.

Furthermore, Oliver Glasner’s side earned draws with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Manchester City. This upturn in form has seen them put some breathing space between themselves and the relegation spots, opening up a four-point cushion.

Arsenal: WDWDW

Arsenal made it nine games unbeaten on Tuesday night as they booked a two-legged semi-final with Newcastle United.

The North London club currently trail Liverpool by six points in the Premier League title race, with the league leaders having a game in hand.

Despite the extended period without defeat, there have been some underwhelming results over the last fortnight.

In their last two league outings, they dropped points at Fulham and disappointingly drew 0-0 with Everton at the Emirates last weekend.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping the midweek triumph will rejuvenate his players and they will have belief they can win the second part of their double header with Crystal Palace.

Last Meeting: Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace, Carabao Cup, 18th December 2024

Arsenal advanced into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought victory just three days ago.

Jean-Philippe Mateta put the visitors in front after Jakub Kiwior failed to deal with Dean Henderson’s hopeful long-ball. The French striker outmuscled Kiwior before slotting beyond David Raya.

The hosts controlled proceedings in the first half but couldn’t fashion a presentable chance with Raheem Sterling coming closest with a free-kick.

At the interval, Mikel Arteta introduced the creative mind of Martin Odegaard in a tweak that changed the contest. A lacklustre Arsenal were transformed into a more dangerous, free-flowing outfit and they equalised within ten minutes of the second period.

A penetrative pass from Odegaard found Gabriel Jesus who kept a composed head to dink over Henderson. The Brazilian then completed the comeback when he drilled into the corner. Though appearing offside in the build-up, with no VAR in operation the goal stood. Jesus then completed his three-goal haul with a carbon copy of his second as he ruthlessly dispatched into the same corner.

Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah netted a superb header in the closing stages to set up a nervy finish, but the Gunners held firm to progress.

Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Doucoure, Lerma, Mitchell; Kamada, Mateta, Sarr

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus.

Who is the referee?

Simon Hooper will be the match official. He will be assisted by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long while Oliver Langford will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Michael Salisbury and he will be assisted by Steve Meredith.

What channel is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal on?

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK, Sky Sports Ultra and NOW TV UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Selhurst Park will be at 17:30 GMT on Saturday 21st December 2024.

Odds

Crystal Palace – 11/2

Draw – 10/3

Arsenal – 1/2

Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

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