England Premier League
Wednesday 19th May 2021
Kick off at 7pm BST
Venue: Selhurst Park
Match Preview:
It’s been quite an emotional week for all concerned with Crystal Palace with the announcement that Roy Hodgson will be leaving his post at the end of the season. Not just that but Hodgson who is 74 will be leaving the game after almost 50 years. This match then will represent Hodgson’s final home game of his career.
Palace could finish on 50 points if they were to win their last two games of the season and last weekend they beat Aston Villa 3-2 and have won two of their last three games. At home it’s been just six wins this season for the Eagles and 7 points have been won from their last 15.
Arsenal have found some brilliant form ever since being knocked out of the Europa League and the Gunners look determined to finish in a European positon for next season. Mikel Arteta’s side have won 3 games in a row and have climbed up to 55 points and are in 9th place.
Last week Arsenal stunned Chelsea away from home with a 1-0 win handing Blues manager Thomas Tuchel only his 2nd league defeat since taking over at the end of January. The Gunners have also beat West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle. Arsenal are now after Everton and even have a small chance to pass rivals Tottenham if they drop points in their game against Aston Villa.
Away from home Arsenal have fared better with 30 of their 55 points won this way. Indeed the Gunners are unbeaten in their last five away games with 3 wins and two draws and will come into this potentially tricky match with a lot of confidence.
Team News:
Crystal Palace: Nathaniel Clyne could return after a minor illness. Luka Milivojevic missed the last game through personal reasons and could well miss out again. Patrick Van Aanholt also could miss this match through personal reasons. Connor Wickham has fitness issues but could be assessed. James McArthur has a calf injury and is a major doubt to recover for this game.
Arsenal: David Luiz is out with his hamstring. Granit Xhaka has recovered from his muscle injury and will be assessed ahead of this game.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Head to Head:
Last season this fixture finished 1-1.
4 of the last 5 meetings have ended in draws.
Arsenal have been able to win just once from their last 4 visits to Crystal Palace.
There is a 60% chance to see over 2.5 goals.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Prediction:
This should be a very interesting game because Arsenal are in a very good form and Palace will want to do well for their manager. Recent history is pointing to a draw but there does seem to be good value in backing Palace on the handicap. Palace have upped their form of late, are at home and will put in a big performance one would suspect after Hodgson’s announcement.
Arsenal have been in very good form but let’s remember Arsenal under Arteta have not as yet been able to go to that extra level where we see the club win 5 or more games in a row. This season has been akin to the Gunners taking a step forward but two steps back and perhaps this is the type of dogged match that could summarise that form. That’s not to say that Arsenal cannot come here and win but the handicap in case Arsenal edge the win seems like the right way to go here.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (+1 Crystal Palace) at 1.97
Both teams to score at 1.80
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