- Date and Time: Wednesday, December 18, 2024. 19:30 GMT+1
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Preview
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will see the EFL Cup as their best chance to win silverware this term after dropping out of the race for the Premier League title in recent weeks. The Spanish coach will likely rotate his squad this week, with Ben White remaining absent due to injury.
Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus could both be handed starts in the forward line, while Ethan Nwaneri will be among the starters after impressing in the competition till now. Arsenal’s productivity has been poor, scoring 19 from an xG of 21.76 this season.
🥇 Our November Player of the Month, Bukayo Saka! pic.twitter.com/hweZPh7oSQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 16, 2024
However, they’ve yet to score from open play in a domestic match since beating West Ham 5-2 at the end of last month. Arteta’s side have been reliable defensively, conceding just nine goals from an xGA of 12.2.
Crystal Palace
Things are beginning to look better for Crystal Palace at this stage of the season after moving clear of the drop zone with a fantastic 3-1 win at Brighton on Sunday. Adam Wharton remains the only first-team player out due to injury, but Oliver Glasner is likely to field a strong starting line-up on Wednesday against the Gunners.
The Eagles have already impressed on the road this season, beating Aston Villa at Villa Park in the round of 16.
The third 🫢#CPFC pic.twitter.com/BH2f3l9ciP
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 16, 2024
Like Arsenal, Crystal Palace have been reliable from setpieces this season, scoring six of their 17 goals from corners or free kicks. However, it could be a slight concern that they’ve already conceded an xGA of 5.33 from corners.
Bet hereArsenal vs Crystal Palace Prediction
- Pick: Arsenal to Win
- Odds: 1.41 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
This game should be a good opportunity for Arsenal to get their form back on track. They have a respectable record against Crystal Palace. Arteta will take the EFL Cup seriously this week, meaning first-team stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard will likely start.
The Gunners’ stuttering form from open play would be a concern ahead of this showdown, but they are likely to create chances against an Eagles side that typically gives their opponents chances in the final third.
The points are shared at Emirates Stadium. pic.twitter.com/4xCqJPf7js
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 14, 2024
It could be important to note before making an Arsenal vs Crystal Palace prediction that the Gunners have won each of their last four matches against the Eagles. The team have suffered only one defeat in the previous ten competitive meetings.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Under 2.5 Goals
- Odds: 2.06 (22Bet)
Arsenal’s stuttering form in the final third from open play is well worth considering when making your football prediction this week. Given that they’ve not yet scored from open play this month, they could be more work-man-like against the Eagles on Wednesday. A cagey affair with under 2.5 goals scored could be an excellent angle.
Alternatively, Kai Havertz could make the difference for the Gunners. The German has scored five in 15 appearances this season and has accumulated an xG of 7.46 from his 2.36 shots per 90 minutes.
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