Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal: Preview and betting tips

London derby in the second round of the Premier League. Crystal Palace welcome Arsenal, who have strengthened before the season and are announcing a new title challenge. And both teams made it through the first round. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

Crystal Palace handled the first round with ease, winning 1-0 at the home of newcomer Sheffield United. As in recent years, the priority for the club is to save, last season the Eagles were around 12th place.

Arsenal would like to compete with Manchester City for the title again. Although they only managed a 2-1 win in the first round, they outplayed Nottingham. Moreover, the summer saw some interesting reinforcements, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber may be the last missing pieces.

Crystal Palace’s key figures

With the departure of Wilfried Zaha, more responsibility will fall to Odsonne Edouard, the French striker having decided the first leg. The Eagles have long benefited from a defence that would not function without the duo of Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell.

Arsenal’s key figures

Bukayo Saka shone again in the opening round, the left-footed winger flashed a terrific shot towards the left post. His big friend from the national team, Rice, is already operating in the middle of the field, while the defensive line is held by French rock William Saliba.

Prediction

Although the Eagles defensive line is working quite well, it’s not quite the same going forward. They have scored more than twice in just one of their last 11 games. Without Zaha, that goal will be even harder, after all, he was the club’s top scorer the past five years.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are more of an offensive team, starting five players in the first round who could be considered strikers or offensive midfielders. Moreover, last year they did not lose any of the 14 London derbies.

Given Arsenal’s offensive quality and their form, I expect them to win the London derby after a week’s rest.

Betting tip l Arsenal win at odds of 1.63