Premier League preview and odds: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Published on: 01/01/2017

Premier League preview and odds: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

January 01, 2016 16:00pm - Emirates Stadium

Referee: A. Marriner

Premier League

Depending on earlier results, Arsenal may need a win to get themselves back into the Premier League`s top four when they take to the field against fellows Londoners Crystal Palace on New Year`s Day. Meanwhile, the visitors need all the points they can get as they look to ward off the spectre of relegation.

Gunners unbeaten in last eight at home

A recent brace of defeats away to Everton and Manchester City has seen Arsenal lose ground in the title race but they can haul themselves back into contention with a win on Sunday. The Gunners will go into this game defending an eight-game unbeaten streak at home, having won six and drawn two since their 3-4 opening day defeat to Liverpool.

Arsene Wenger`s men have scored at least once in their last nine matches and five of their last six fixtures have produced more than 2.5 goals.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will be looking to shore up their leaky defence when they play their second game under new boss Sam Allardyce. Prior to the former England Coach`s arrival, the Londoners had conceded at least three goals in four straight away games. They reduced that tally to a single goal last week but have yet to keep a clean sheet on the road this term.

The good news is that the Eagles have scored at least one goal in each of their last six away games and they managed two or more in four of those matches. However, they haven`t beaten Arsenal in the top flight since a 2-1 win at Highbury back in 1994.

Team news

Arsenal are still managing a significant injury list with Theo Walcott (calf), Kieran Gibbs (knee), Mathieu Debuchy (hamstring), Santi Cazorla (Achilles), Chuba Akpom (back) and Per Mertesecker (knee) all out of action, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck are both still doubtful.

Meanwhile, Damien Delaney is suspended for the visitors, who will also be without the injured group of Bakary Sako (muscle), Connor Wickham (knee), Steve Mandanda (knee), Jonathan Benteke (meniscus), Pape Souare (recovering from accident) and Loic Remy (quadriceps). To add to their woes, James McArthur, Joe Ledley and James Tomkins are also on the doubtful list.

Recent form (League):

Arsenal: WLLWW

Crystal Palace: DLLDW

Betting odds and tips

Palace grabbed a point on the road at Watford in Sam Allardyce`s first game in charge and would probably be happy to match that result on Sunday. However, Arsenal have been dominant at home and have a strong record against their London rivals. ç

A home win is the obvious pick but extra vale can be added by backing both teams to score. Palace have netted in all of their last six away games, while Arsenal have only failed to find the net at home on one occasion.

You can back Arsenal/Both Teams to Score at 15/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 01/01/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (01/01/2017 12:50:48) but are subject to change.