Premier League action returns to our screens this weekend, and it’s not a moment too soon in the opinion of football fans everywhere, including our team. The top flight in England enjoyed a brief winter break, which some teams used to catch up on games in hand while others enjoyed a rest. Coaches at the top teams took the opportunity afforded by a break in play to work hard on the training pitch, re-energising the squad and planning for the second half of the season.
There’s all to play for at the top of the league, with just five points separating current leaders Arsenal from Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place. One team in the running for glory this season is Arsenal, who return to action in fourth place, level on points with Spurs in fifth. There’s work to be done if the Gunners are to improve on last season’s runners-up finish behind Man City, but Mikel Arteta’s men arrive in high spirits.
Gunners aim for improvement
Arsenal was top of the Premier League at this stage last season but return from the winter break in fourth, clinging on to a top-four berth under increasing pressure from Tottenham. We are preparing for a competitive end to the season, and at this stage, it’s anyone’s guess which team will lift the trophy. Arsenal is in the running but did themselves no favours with a dip in form following the festive period. The hosts have won only one of their last five and must get back to winning ways quickly if they are to keep the pressure on Liverpool.
We last saw Arteta’s men in action on the final day of December when they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage against a plucky Fulham in the London Derby. That was Arsenal’s second loss on the bounce following a 2-0 home defeat to another neighbor, West Ham United, and although it’s not time to press the panic button, fans want to see the players back winning as soon as possible. Victory over Crystal Palace would be a great way to get on track.
One win in five
Crystal Palace arrives at the Emirates Stadium with high hopes of following the example of Fulham and West Ham, who beat their fellow Londoners. Could the Eagles swoop to pile pressure on Arteta and ensure Arsenal falls further off the pace set by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool? The visitors would love to gatecrash the party and win in North London, but their form is poor, winning just one of their last five games. That run shows two defeats and a pair of draws.
Bet hereWe last saw Crystal Palace on the final Saturday of 2023 when they signed off with an important and overdue win over Brentford. Palace made a mockery of what had been billed as a 50/50 and potential banana skin, scoring three goals to collect all three points with minimal fuss. Anything near a repeat performance here would give them a great chance of beating Arsenal and securing back-to-back wins.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace prediction
Will Arsenal make their home advantage count and get back to winning ways with a victory over Crystal Palace? The Gunners arrive in poor form, but they are in the title mix, and for good reason. This team has what it takes to contest pole position but knows they must make the Emirates a fortress this year. If Arsenal is at its best, it should have enough quality to begin the year by claiming all three points.
Crystal Palace is the visitors and underdogs for this game. Many respected pundits expect Arsenal to win, but that allows the Eagles to fly under the radar and play without fear. Beating Arsenal at home is no mean feat, but this Palace side is famous for upsetting the odds and scoring shock wins. Could this be another upset? Fans certainly hope so.
Premier League odds
The pre-match betting odds available to all new and existing 22bet members make Arsenal the pre-match favourites. You can wager on the Gunners to collect a home victory at odds of 1.33 or take your chances on Crystal Palace taking the points at 9.95. Fancy the draw? You’ll find odds of 5.48 attached to the level finish.
In addition to the match-winner betting, 22bet members can also wager on several markets and specials. Have your say on which player will score the game’s first goal, the total number of goals scored in the fixture, and even the handicap. There’s something for all types of bettors, including those who enjoy attractive odds.
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