Arsenal vs Crystal Palace analysis: Five key battles and score prediction
Arsenal welcome London rivals Crystal Palace to the Emirates on Wednesday, April 23.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to replicate their last performance against the Eagles, when they ran out 5-1 winners at Selhurst Park.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Tom Nichols takes a look at five battles which will prove decisive in the match.
Gabriel Martinelli vs Daniel Munoz
Gabriel Martinelli has been in fine form recently, with two goals in his last two games, including one away at the Bernabeu in the Gunners’ UEFA Champions League quarter-final win.
Martinelli is currently on six goals and four assists in the Premier League in just 20 starts, highlighting how dangerous the Brazilian can be on his day.
The Brazilian faces a tough challenge up against Daniel Munoz, but it isn’t anything the tricky winger can’t handle.
Daniel Munoz has become a vital part of Crystal Palace’s 3-4-2-1 system, becoming an ever-present on the right-hand side.
The Colombian is known for his ability to fly up and down the wing, getting involved with the attacking play. Munoz has recorded four goals and four assists in the league this season.
Despite keeping a clean sheet last time out against Bournemouth, Palace conceded ten in two games against Newcastle and Manchester City.
Munoz will be hoping his side can take the clean sheet against Bournemouth and build on it in this London derby.
Jean-Philippe Mateta vs William Saliba
Jean-Philippe Mateta has 13 goals to his name this season, however just one of these have come in his last seven games.
The Frenchman will be hoping he can get back amongst the goals and add to his impressive tally.
Known for his physicality and ability to carve out chances for himself, Mateta will be a tough challenge for fellow Frenchman William Saliba.
Saliba has been an integral part of Arsenal’s side this season, helping them to the Champions League semi-final and a second place finish in the Premier League.
The defender has started 44 games in all competitions for Arteta’s side, earning an average rating of 7.2.
Saliba has been one of the best defenders in the country this season.
He has helped Arsenal record 12 Premier League clean sheets as well as making 1.8 tackles per game, 4.4 recoveries per game and 3.3 clearances per game.
Martin Odegaard vs Adam Wharton
Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal captain, is arguably the most important piece of this Arsenal side.
The midfielder has had another brilliant season in North London, recording an average rating of 7.3 over all competitions.
Odegaard scored last time out against Ipswich Town, taking his goal tally to five for the season. The Norwegian will be hoping he can make the most of Palace’s leaky defence.
Odegaard’s ability to work in tight areas around the box could be vital in this game, with Palace likely to sit in and try to hit Arsenal on the counter.
Adam Wharton joined the Eagles from his boyhood club Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 and enjoyed a successful first season in South London, earning a call up to the England squad for the Euros.
Wharton has missed 17 games this season due to undergoing groin surgery. The midfielder has forced his way back into the Palace side recently,
Wharton’s press resistance and ability to keep the ball under pressure could be huge for Oliver Glasner’s side in what will be a big test under the lights at the Emirates.
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Bukayo Saka vs Tyrick Mitchell
Bukayo Saka has recently returned from a long injury layoff, where he missed 19 games with a hamstring issue.
The winger missed a penalty in Arsenal’s UCL tie with Real Madrid last week, however he did still score on the night.
Despite only playing 20 games in the league this season, Saka has still recorded an impressive 16 goal contributions.
Who knows how the title race would’ve ended had Saka been fit all season?
Similar to Daniel Munoz, Tyrick Mitchell has become an ever-present on the flank in Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 system, starting all 33 of Crystal Palace’s Premier League games.
Mitchell has provided four assists from the left hand side.
He will be looking to cause the Arsenal right back problems. Whether that is Jurrien Timber or Ben White, who has recently returned from injury remains to be seen.
With a 62.2% tackle success rate, Mitchell is capable of keeping Saka quiet, although he will have to be at his defensive best if he wants to help his side to consecutive clean sheets.
Oliver Glasner vs Mikel Arteta
Glasner and Arteta coach two very different brands of football. Glasner likes his team to hit on the counter quickly, while Arteta likes his side to keep hold of the ball and wit for opportunities.
The Gunners’ have 56.9% average possession while the Eagles have an average of 43.1%, highlighting the difference in styles between the two sides.
With his side still in the Champions League, Arteta will be looking to use Wednesday’s game against Palace as a chance to build some momentum before their big clash against PSG next week.
Glasner’s side take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend at Wembley.
Like Arteta, Glasner will be hoping to build some momentum before next week’s huge game.
Score prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace
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