Crystal Palace vs Arsenal preview, predictions & confirmed team news
Arsenal will look to win back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since their opening two fixtures in August when they travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Gunners have had a wretched start to the season which saw Unai Emery sacked and Freddie Ljungberg struggle as interim boss. However, under Mikel Arteta, there are clear signs of improvement.
After a promising start to the season, things seemed to have dried up a little for Crystal Palace, who have now won just one of their last six Premier League games and crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Derby County over the weekend.
Can the Gunners take another step forward under Arteta? Read on for our Crystal Palace vs Arsenal preview, team news, TV coverage information and more.
When is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Selhurst Park
Date: Saturday, 11 January 2020
Kick-off: 12:30 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 1
Last five meetings: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
27 October 2019: Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
21 April 2019: Arsenal 2-3 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
28 October 2018: Crystal Palace 2-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
20 January 2018: Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
28 December 2017: Crystal Palace 2-3 Arsenal (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Crystal Palace (DWDLL) 10-13 Arsenal (DLDWW)
Ones to watch
Crystal Palace: Jordan Ayew
Although he’s Palace’s top Premier League marksman with five goals, we all know Jordan Ayew isn’t anywhere near the most prolific striker about. That said, his relentless work rate and contribution to build-up play make him a vital cog in the Eagles’ attack.
Arsenal are certain to try and play out from the back on Saturday and Ayew’s energy and tenacity in the press could be key in forcing mistakes and turnovers, ultimately giving him and Wilfried Zaha the chance to wreak havoc.
Key stat: Only Wilfried Zaha (17) has won possession in the final third for more Palace in the Premier League than Jordan Ayew (14).
Arsenal: Granit Xhaka
Given the fallout with the Arsenal fans and subsequent stripping of his captaincy the last time these sides met, this fixture is bound to bring back some bad memories for Xhaka. However, the Switzerland international has kept his head down and done an admirable job of playing himself back into favour.
The Gunners will need a healthy balance of composure and doggedness in midfield if they’re to take a result from Selhurst Park. On his day, Xhaka is very capable of both, even if he isn’t always consistent in showing it.
Key stat: Granit Xhaka has averaged 60.92 successful passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, more than any other Arsenal player.
Team news
Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson has been able to call upon Wilfried Zaha after injury problems, with the Ivorian being one of four changes from the FA Cup defeat to Derby County. Vincente Guaita, James Tomkins and James McArthur also come in while new signing Cenk Tosun is on the bench.
Confirmed XI: Guaita; Kelly, Tomkins, Cahill, Riedelwald; Meyer, McCarthy, Kouyate, McArthur; Zaha, Ayew.
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Arsenal
Arsenal remain unchanged from the team that beat Manchester United on New Year’s Day, with Bernd Leno, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Lucas Torreira and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returning after being rested in the FA Cup against Leeds.
Confirmed XI: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Kolasinac; Torreira, Xhaka; Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette.
Squawka prediction
If there’s one thing this fixture usually guarantees, it’s goals. What you will find hard to predict, however, is the outcome, with Crystal Palace often proving tough customers for the Gunners.
Arsenal do genuinely look improved under Arteta, although their weak showing against Leeds United on Monday night may have the Spaniard worrying.
The Gunners will likely control the game but should be happy to come away from Selhurst Park with a point.
Scoreline prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Arsenal
Check out more of Squawka’s Premier League predictions here.
