LONDON (BN24) — Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium, aiming to extend their advantage at the top of the table as they host a resilient Crystal Palace side.
The Gunners and the Eagles last met in north London in a thrilling 2–2 draw, a result that came when Arsenal’s title hopes were beginning to falter. Despite that setback, Mikel Arteta’s men went on to win both of their other meetings with Palace last season, including a dominant 5–1 victory away from home.
Crystal Palace, led by manager Oliver Glasner, have enjoyed an impressive spell since then — lifting both the FA Cup and the Community Shield while setting a new club record with an 18-match unbeaten run. However, their momentum has dipped in recent weeks. The Eagles enter Sunday’s clash winless in three games across all competitions, including a disappointing home defeat to AEK Larnaca in Thursday’s Europa Conference League fixture.
Arsenal, on the other hand, continue to display formidable form. The north London club notched their sixth straight victory on Tuesday night, overpowering Atlético Madrid 4–0 in the Champions League. The result maintained their perfect start to Europe’s top competition and reaffirmed their credentials as serious contenders on multiple fronts.
Arteta’s men boast the league’s tightest defense, but the manager faces a potential setback with the possible absence of star defender Gabriel, who has not trained since sustaining an injury in midweek. Should he be unavailable, Cristhian Mosquera is expected to partner William Saliba at the heart of defense, while recent signing Piero Hincapié may also be an option after making just one appearance since joining on deadline day.
Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard are likely to return to the starting lineup, while Eberechi Eze is expected to retain his place as he faces his former club. Arsenal will again be without Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and captain Martin Ødegaard due to ongoing injuries.
For the visitors, Glasner is expected to rotate his squad after Thursday’s European defeat. Chris Richards and Adam Wharton are likely to return to the lineup, while former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah could start in tandem with Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. Injured pair Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad remain sidelined.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi; Muñoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Nketiah; Mateta.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Crystal Palace 0.
Crystal Palace’s recent dip in form and their struggles in the final third may continue against an Arsenal side that has looked nearly flawless this season. Even without Gabriel, the Gunners’ defensive discipline and attacking firepower are expected to be too strong for the visitors, who will find it difficult to breach the hosts’ back line at the Emirates.
