Arsenal and Palace face off on Sundayplaceholder image
Arsenal and Palace face off on Sunday | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
A look at how the pundits see Arsenal and Crystal Palace’s Premier League date going.
Palace did not get on so well in Europe, losing at home to Larnaca, while they drew with AFC Bournemouth in their last Premier League outing. This looks to be a very fascinating game between two teams that have only lost once each so far, and ahead of the game, we have rounded up the pundit predictions from SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton.
Paul Merson
“I don't think Crystal Palace can play like they did against Bournemouth in this game. People are talking about Jean-Philippe Mateta missing that chance in the end and how close they were to winning, but that goal would have never stood because there was a clear foul in the build-up. Palace deserve credit for getting back into that game though.
“Arsenal are so efficient and they have quality players. I'd be shocked if they don't win the league from here. Arsenal steamrolled Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Who does that to Diego Simeone's team? Atletico were 2-0 down against Liverpool and drew 2-2 before eventually losing 3-2. When they went 2-0 down to Arsenal, it felt like game over already.
“Arsenal are mind-blowing at the back and they have some nice fixtures coming up. In fact, Arsenal don't play Manchester City or Liverpool until the New Year. The title race could be all over by then!
“Declan Rice affects the game more than any other midfielder playing the no.8 role in the Premier League. As an all-round package who contributes at both ends of the pitch, I don't see anyone better than him. Enzo Fernandez is good when he goes forward with the ball, but he can't do what Rice does in defence, no way. Palace did well to go unbeaten in 19 games and now they are without in win in their last two. I don't think they will get a result at the Emirates this weekend. Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace.”
Chris Sutton
“Crystal Palace have given Arsenal some trouble in the past but how can anyone back against Mikel Arteta's side at the moment? They are like a juggernaut, and not just because of their strength at set-pieces. Viktor Gyokeres got a couple of goals for the Gunners in the Champions League in midweek and I can see why Arteta raves about him.
“People may view Gyokeres as something of a flat-track bully but he is going to score some important goals for Arsenal, and he gives them something they previously lacked up front. If there is a side that can upset them at the moment, then it's Crystal Palace - I saw them absolutely tear Liverpool to shreds at Selhurst Park a few weeks ago.
“They did not lie down against Bournemouth last week either, but going to Emirates Stadium and hurting Arsenal still feels like a big ask. It doesn't help that Palace play in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, because their squad is not big enough for European football.
“Arsenal's squad is, and that is something else that will make a difference here. It is the Gunners' defence that impresses me the most at the moment, though. I am only half-joking when I say I am not going to back anyone to score against them in the league for the rest of the season, because it is their ability to keep clean sheets that will help them win the title. Prediction: 2-0.”
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