Sunday’s trip to south London to face Crystal Palace might just be now-or-never time for Arsenal and their Premier League title hopes after a tough couple of weeks for the Gunners.
WATCH –Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s side has draw their last two PL games and failed to capitalize on leaders Liverpool also drawing twice and having a game postponed. Now, Arsenal sit 3rd in the table after red-hot Chelsea surged past them and to within two points of the summit. Arteta celebrated five years in charge at Arsenal on Friday, with the lone trophy of his tenure coming in his first (partial) season, the 2019-20 FA Cup. After finishing 2nd to Manchester City the last two years, many thought this would be the year the young Gunners broke through — especially with City tearing apart at the seams — but they have been far too inconsistent and only won half of their 16 games thus far (8W-6D-2L). If they don’t score from a set piece (23 since the start of last season - 5 more than any other side in Europe) and Bukayo Saka doesn’t put the team on his back, Arsenal have struggled mightily to consistently generate scoring chances.
Speaking of which, Crystal Palace’s attacking struggles appear to be a thing of the past now after Oliver Glasner’s side blew rivals Brighton away in a 3-1 victory last weekend and nearly beat Man City before that. Now they’re five games unbeaten (2W-3D-0L) after winning just 1 of their first 11 games to start the season. Ismaila Sarr is looking right at home back in the PL after signing from Marseille in the summer. The Senegalese winger had 2 goals and an assist against Brighton and has played a part in 5 goals in as many games. Palace have lost five straight to Arsenal, including Wednesday’s League Cup quarterfinal.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 12:30 pm ET Saturday (December 21)
Venue: Selhurst Park — London
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBCSports.com
Crystal Palace team news, focus
OUT: Adam Wharton (groin), Daniel Munoz (suspension), Rob Holding (undisclosed), Matheus Franca (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Chadi Riad (fitness)
Arsenal team news, focus
OUT: Ben White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Oleksandr Zinchenko (undisclosed)
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal prediction
Perhaps Gabriel Jesus’ hat trick in the League Cup will spark life in someone other than Saka. Palace will try to play a bit more being at home, which should give Arsenal a bit more time and space themselves — if they dare take it. Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal.