Football Prediction | Crystal Palace vs Arsenal | English Premier League | December 21 – Will Arsenal’s Firepower Be Too Much for Palace’s Solid Defense?

The Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Arsenal will take place on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:30 PM (GMT) at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace will be looking to upset the odds against a strong Arsenal side, who are aiming to continue their pursuit of a top-four finish.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Form Guide

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace has been effective in several key areas, including attacking set-pieces, creating long-shot opportunities, and playing through the wings. However, they face challenges in keeping possession, finishing scoring chances, and defending against counter-attacks. Top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta will be looking to make an impact, alongside Ismaila Sarr, who has contributed significantly to the team’s offensive play.

Arsenal

Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, has been dominant in finishing scoring chances and attacking down the wings, with key players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz offering flair and creativity. Their solid defending of set-pieces and ability to control possession in the opposition’s half makes them a formidable force. With a strong squad, Arsenal remains one of the favorites in this match.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Key Battles

Jean-Philippe Mateta vs Gabriel Magalhães

Crystal Palace’s top scorer, Mateta, will look to challenge Arsenal’s defensive leader, Gabriel Magalhães. Mateta’s physicality and pace could test Arsenal’s defense, but Magalhães’ ability to read the game and clear the danger will be key.

Ismaila Sarr vs Bukayo Saka

Both Sarr and Saka are influential wide players for their teams. Sarr’s pace and dribbling skills will be key to Crystal Palace’s attack, while Saka, with 15 goals and assists combined, will look to create scoring chances for Arsenal. The battle on the wings will be crucial in deciding the game. 

Also read:- Football Prediction | West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion | English Premier League | December 21

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Tactical Outlook

Palace is expected to employ a counter-attacking style, using long balls and taking shots from distance. They will look to exploit space on the wings and set pieces, relying on their ability to steal the ball and transition quickly.

Arsenal will look to dominate possession, control the game in the opposition’s half, and use short passes to break down Palace’s defense. Attacking down the right, with the combination of Saka and Havertz, will be crucial in creating opportunities for the Gunners.

Head-to-Head Encounters

Arsenal has had a strong record against Crystal Palace, winning 14 of the 23 encounters between the two sides, while Crystal Palace has only won 3 times. The bookmakers have Arsenal as the favorites to win, with odds of 1.60, while Crystal Palace’s odds are 5.75 for a win, and a draw is priced at 4.10.

Injury News and Suspensions

Crystal Palace 

Crystal Palace is dealing with a mix of suspensions and injuries, including Daniel Munoz’s suspension and Adam Wharton’s groin injury, both expected to return in a few days. Chadi Riad is also recovering from a knee injury and is doubtful for the upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Matheus Franca is expected to miss action until early January 2025 due to a broken rib, further impacting Palace’s squad depth.

Arsenal 

Arsenal is facing a string of injuries as they approach a busy period, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu both sidelined with injuries, expecting to return in early January 2025. Ben White’s knee injury will keep him out until late January 2025, while Declan Rice is expected to return in just a few days after a knock. Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt with a knee injury, adding further uncertainty for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Possible Playing Squad

Crystal Palace 

Henderson (GK), Guéhi, Lacroix, Chalobah, Mitchell, Lerma, Hughes, Kporha, Sarr, Eze, Mateta

Arsenal

Raya (GK), Lewis-Skelly, Magalhães, Saliba, Timber, Rice, Partey, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Arsenal will be strong favorites heading into this match, with their quality in attack and solid defense expected to outshine Crystal Palace. While Palace will look to capitalize on set pieces and counter-attacks, Arsenal’s possession-based style and individual brilliance should prove decisive.

Score Prediction

Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal. Arsenal is expected to win this encounter, with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz finding the net for the Gunners, and Mateta scoring for Crystal Palace in a competitive but ultimately one-sided match. 

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.