In their previous outing, the Eagles triumphed 1-0 against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Despite the absence of Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise, who turned down Chelsea's interest to extend his tenure at Selhurst Park, Palace managed a deserved victory through Odsonne Edouard's close-range strike. While they could have netted more goals, they were impeded by Sheffield United's goalkeeper Wes Foderingham. Roy Hodgson celebrated his 76th birthday in style as Palace climbed into the top five after just one game played.
Anticipations of Palace maintaining a European spot throughout the 2023-24 Premier League season might be scarce. Yet, they have an opportunity to start the campaign with consecutive victories for the first time since Hodgson's debut season in charge in 2020-21.
Last season, Selhurst Park became a stronghold for Palace, losing only five times at home. They secured 11 points out of a possible 15 in front of their supporters, even outplaying giants like Liverpool and Manchester United.
Nonetheless, four of Palace's five home defeats last season were against other capital teams, excluding a 1-0 loss to Manchester City. Arsenal's prowess in local rivalries last season was well-documented. Both Arsenal and Palace face the challenge of commencing the season without key attacking players. While Gabriel Jesus recuperates from knee surgery, Eddie Nketiah has proved capable of deputizing effectively.
Eddie Nketiah, supported by a remarkable display of skill by Gabriel Martinelli, fired Arsenal into the lead against Nottingham Forest in their recent match. Bukayo Saka amplified their advantage with a powerful shot into the top corner. However, as was occasionally witnessed last season, Arsenal faltered after gaining a 2-0 lead, permitting Taiwo Awoniyi's rapid counter-attacking goal. Despite triggering memories of previous capitulations, Arsenal managed to secure an uneasy victory.
After recording an impressive 10 clean sheets away from home last season, along with accumulating 39 points on their travels, last season's runners-up embark on another away journey. Yet, Arteta's Monday night record is marred by four losses in as many encounters.
Despite this historical data, Arsenal achieved a record number of London derby victories last season, triumphing in 10 out of 12 such contests. Their successful streak began with a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park, followed by a commanding 4-1 victory against Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
While Crystal Palace supporters can rejoice over Olise's decision to commit to Selhurst Park, the unfortunate truth is that the young French talent is currently on the mend from a severe thigh injury. Manager Hodgson has admitted that it will be a considerable duration before Olise graces the pitch once more.Matheus Franca, a summer addition to the team, has experienced a delay in his debut due to a lower back issue. Meanwhile, Will Hughes is still recuperating from a knee injury he sustained during pre-season, and it might be a couple of weeks before he regains full fitness. Despite departing early due to cramp in the previous game, Marc Guehi is expected to be fit for the upcoming match.
Edouard was strongly linked with Arsenal before joining Palace. He now has his sights set on a record previously held by Zaha - being the only Eagles player to score in both of their opening matches of a season.
As for Arsenal, Jurrien Timber, a summer signing, had a brief 50-minute Premier League debut before joining the unfortunate ranks of players suffering a debilitating anterior cruciate ligament injury, which will keep him sidelined for several months.
In a more positive light, Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the verge of returning from a calf problem and could make a timely appearance at Selhurst Park. However, Jesus will continue to miss out due to a knee issue. The availability of Folarin Balogun (ankle), Albert Sambi Lokonga (muscle), and Mohamed Elneny (knee), who have fallen out of favor, remains uncertain.
Fresh from an exceptional goal on the opening day, Saka might equal Paul Merson's club record for consecutive Premier League appearances, which stands at 82. The 21-year-old is set to be part of an unchanged attacking trio alongside Martinelli and fellow countryman Nketiah.
The upcoming London derby might also mark David Raya's first appearance in Arsenal colors, having joined on loan from Brentford. However, the nod for the goalkeeper position should go to Aaron Ramsdale in this head-to-head contest.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Lerma; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal was really good at winning games against other London teams and playing away from home last season. Even though they didn't play their best in the first game of the season, we expect them to win at Selhurst Park.
