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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace predictionJanuary 20, 2024, 7:30 AM ET
Arsenal odds-345
Crystal Palace odds+1000
Draw+480
Over\Under2.5 -134 \ +112

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace. Shape of the Teams

As the Premier League enters its 21st round, Arsenal faces Crystal Palace in a crucial encounter.

Like last season, the Gunners are again fighting for the title, but recently, they have noticeably stuttered and dropped to fourth place after consecutive losses against West Ham and Fulham.

Now trailing leaders Liverpool by five points, the Gunners are under pressure to get their campaign back on track.

Crystal Palace, positioned with 21 points from 20 games, sit just five points clear of the relegation zone. Their form has been inconsistent, compounded by a spate of injuries that have destabilized the squad.

Arsenal’s challenges are exacerbated by the absence of key players. Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are away on international duty, while Fabio Vieira, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are long-term absentees due to injuries. These absences could impact Arsenal’s performance, especially in the midfield and defence.

Crystal Palace also faces significant player availability issues. Midfielder Cheick Doucouré and defender Joel Ward are out with injuries, while forward Jordan Ayew is participating in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Ghana.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Main Match Info

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Prediction, Odds

Arsenal’s recent struggles in converting their scoring opportunities have been a significant factor in their string of three consecutive losses. Had Arsenal been more clinical in front of goal, the outcomes of these matches might have been markedly different. 

Despite this challenge in the final third, Arsenal’s management has not been particularly active in the transfer market to find a new goal-scoring striker. 

This situation puts added pressure on existing forwards like Martinelli, Ødegaard, and Saka to optimize their chances and shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities.

Arsenal’s defense hasn’t failed in recent matches, but the team has conceded two goals in each of their last three games. This is partly due to the fatigue of Declan Rice, who has been playing extensively this season without sufficient rest. 

Additionally, the underwhelming performances of players like Jakub Kiwior and David Raya have also played a part in Arsenal’s recent defensive struggles..

However, it’s not all bleak for Arsenal. The team’s positional play and pressing strategy have generally been effective. The key for Arteta and his side moving forward is to ensure that players step up their individual performances. 

Crystal Palace’s performance this season has been marked by inconsistency, making it challenging to predict how Roy Hodgson’s team will fare in any given match.

In their away games against top teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, Crystal Palace has demonstrated the ability to play with a well-organized middle and low defensive block, effectively launching sharp counterattacks.

This tactical approach suggests that Palace has the potential to exploit any mistakes made by their opponents.

However, the flip side of Palace’s strategy is their own vulnerability in defense. Hodgson’s team has been prone to making costly errors at the back, leading to them regularly conceding goals. This defensive fragility is a significant factor in their position near the bottom of the league table.

Their recent FA Cup loss to Everton and an eight-game winless run in the Premier League prior to their victory against Brentford highlight their vulnerabilities. The Eagles also face fatigue from their midweek match, which could impact their performance at the Emirates.

With a track record of three consecutive wins against Palace, Arsenal is well-positioned to extend this winning streak. I think that this is the best moment for Arsenal to win this game and bounce back effectively. 

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Betting Tip

Widely touted as one of the most promising young talents in global soccer, Bukayo Saka is a key player for Arsenal. His recent dip in performance might be attributed to fatigue, considering the high number of matches he has played.

In the current Premier League season, Saka’s contribution has been substantial, with six goals and six assists to his name. His last goal in the 2-1 defeat to Fulham highlights his importance, especially as Arsenal seeks to overcome their winter attacking woes and profligacy in front of goal.

I think that this presents an excellent chance for Saka to add to his goal tally and assist count, potentially helping Arsenal regain their form. 

The return of Gabriel Jesus to the squad could relieve some of the attacking pressure on Saka, potentially opening more opportunities for him against a Crystal Palace side that has struggled defensively in recent games.

Saka’s track record against the Eagles is encouraging. Notably, in their encounter on March 19, 2023, he scored a brace in Arsenal’s convincing 4-1 victory. His ability to perform well against Palace in the past bodes well for the upcoming fixture.


Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.


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