The key match between Arsenal vs Crystal Palace will be the focus of attention when the Premier League returns in 2024. Arsenal is looking to resurrect its title hopes, while Crystal Palace is trying to get out of the relegation zone, thus this weekend’s matchup is very important for both sides.
The Stakes at Play
Though Arsenal was in first place before Christmas, they are currently in fourth place, five points behind leaders Liverpool. Arsenal is in a vulnerable situation. There is more pressure on Arsenal to win against Crystal Palace because of their recent poor play, which included consecutive derby losses to West Ham and Fulham. It’s a must-win game for both teams as Crystal Palace, in the midst of a relegation struggle, is only five points above the horrible drop zone.
League Standings and Recent Form
Despite having the same number of points as Arsenal, who dropped to fourth place, Tottenham, their bitter rivals in North London, are lurking close behind in fifth place, leading on goal differential. In contrast, Crystal Palace has been inconsistent; their most recent victory was in early November. They did, however, prevail over Brentford in their most recent match. Palace has a chance to pass Fulham and move up to 13th place, closing the gap on the top half of the table, with the next matchup.
Date, Kick-off Time, and Venue
The much-anticipated Arsenal vs Crystal Palace clash is scheduled for a 6:00 pm IST kick-off on Saturday, January 20, 2024. The iconic Emirates Stadium in London will host this crucial encounter.
Crystal Palace team news
Michael Olise will not be playing on Monday due to a hamstring injury, even though he recently pledged his long-term commitment to the team. Due to an injury he had during the preseason, Will Hughes is also anticipated to be out. Roy Hodgson, though, is unconcerned about it and could even start with the same lineup that won at Bramall Lane last Saturday.
Crystal Palace predicted lineups
Crystal Palace: Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Doucoure, Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard.
Arsenal team news
The Gunners will probably be without their new addition for a substantial portion of the season as Jurrien Timber was added to the list of injured players over the week. Gabriel Jesus’s absence is accompanied by this injury. Oleksandr Zinchenko could be able to return to the team on Monday, but given his prolonged absence, it is unlikely that he would start. It is anticipated that Takehiro Tomiyasu will start at left back due to the uncertainty surrounding Kieran Tierney’s future. For the visiting team, Aaron Ramsdale will remain in goal despite the recent arrival of David Raya. Also expected to return to the starting lineup is Gabriel.
Who would you start at left-back vs Crystal Palace? 💬#AFC #Arsenal #Zinchenko pic.twitter.com/xMY8yXVJWo
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) January 16, 2024
Arsenal predicted lineups
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Winter Break Reflections
The winter break has given both teams a chance to think and rest. In order to stay up with teams like Manchester City and Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal must make immediate progress. With another relegation battle looming, the excitement of Roy Hodgson’s comeback to Crystal Palace last season is now a faint memory.
Read more: Which players should Arsenal consider for winter transfer?
Prediction
Arsenal should have no trouble at all winning this matchup because they are competing at opposite ends of the Premier League league and have had some time to recover. The Gunners’ desire for the championship will not be quenched, and they will try to take advantage of their opponents’ recent setbacks.
The match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace this weekend is anticipated by the football community to be a turning point in the Premier League’s history. Both sides will compete for supremacy in a game that might drastically alter their paths for the remainder of the season. They have different goals and obstacles to overcome.
FootTheBall predicts Arsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace….