Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Prediction: Match Preview

Crystal Palace: Pride before a European final

Crystal Palace enter the final Premier League weekend with their league season effectively settled, but their campaign is far from over. Oliver Glasner’s side have a Conference League final to prepare for, and that wider context will shape how they approach Arsenal’s visit.

The Eagles have struggled domestically while balancing their European run. They are winless in their last six Premier League matches and could still finish as low as 16th if other results go against them. That is not the league finish they would have wanted, but a European trophy next week would transform the entire mood around the club.

Palace’s defensive form is a concern. They have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five Premier League games, including the 2-2 draw with Brentford last time out, where they twice surrendered the lead.

Home form has also been underwhelming. Palace have managed only four Premier League home wins all season, and that lack of Selhurst Park authority is one of the reasons they have drifted down the table.

Even so, their final-day record at home deserves respect. Palace have never lost any of their 12 top-flight final-day fixtures at Selhurst Park, winning eight of them. That record gives Glasner’s side a small but useful psychological platform.

The likely priority, however, is avoiding further injuries before the Conference League final. With defensive absentees already building, Palace may be cautious with any players carrying knocks.

Arsenal: Champions looking to finish with authority

Arsenal travel to Selhurst Park as Premier League champions, ending a 22-year wait to return to the top of English football. After finishing as runners-up in three consecutive seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side have finally completed the job.

The title was confirmed in midweek when Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, sparking celebrations across North London. Arsenal now have one final league assignment before the trophy lift and, beyond that, their Champions League final focus.

Arteta’s side may not be remembered as the most flamboyant champions in Premier League history, but their consistency has been impressive. Victory here would take them to 85 points, a total higher than several recent title-winning campaigns.

Arsenal also have an outstanding final-day record. The Gunners have won each of their last 14 Premier League gameweek 38 fixtures and have not lost on the final day since the 2004-05 season.

Recent meetings also favour Arsenal heavily. They have won eight of their last nine matches against Crystal Palace, including a 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park last season. The reverse fixture earlier this campaign was also settled in Arsenal’s favour.

Rotation is the major question. With a Champions League final ahead, Arteta may protect several key players. That could mean opportunities for Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Even with changes, Arsenal should still carry enough structure and attacking quality to trouble a Palace team short on league momentum.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Team News

Crystal Palace team news

Crystal Palace suffered several defensive concerns against Brentford. Chris Richards is ruled out after tearing ankle ligaments, while Maxence Lacroix and Chadi Riad need to be assessed after both appeared to suffer cramp.

If either Lacroix or Riad is unavailable, Jefferson Lerma or Nathaniel Clyne could be used in a makeshift centre-back role.

Borna Sosa has recovered from an unspecified issue and could feature, but Cheick Doucoure remains short of full fitness and former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is out with a thigh problem.

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:

Benitez; Canvot, Riad, Lacroix; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen

Arsenal team news

Arsenal could welcome Mikel Merino back into the squad after he returned to team training. David Raya, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka have also been working individually but are expected to be managed carefully.

Jurrien Timber remains a major doubt ahead of the Champions League final and the World Cup, so Arteta is unlikely to take unnecessary risks.

Several senior players may be rested before Arsenal’s European final. That could open the door for Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Kepa; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli