Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Sunday 15th August – Kickoff: 1330hrs
Football – England – Premier League
The opening fixtures for these two clubs could not have been more different. Crystal Palace – continuing their excellent form under Alan Pardew since he took over in January – beating Norwich 3-1 at a Carrow Road. It was a different story for Arsenal who have great expectations of challenging for the title having finished last season very strongly and looking impressive in pre-season. Arsenal Wengers men were brought down to earth win a bang, though, losing 2-0 at home to West Ham. It’s another London derby for them this weekend as they visit Selhurst Park, looking to get their season started at the second time of asking.
Palace went on a terrific run when Pardew took over from Neil Warnock last season, winning 11 of the 19 league games he took charge for. Not only did it ensure their safety, but it guided them 10th place and raise expectations for this campaign. The summer signings – particularly that of Yohann Cabaye – have added to the positivity around the club and that was rewarded with an impressive performance and result last Saturday. Sunday’s game will provide an entirely different tes, of course, but you would be hard pushed to remember a more exciting time for Palace supporters in recent history so they will believe anything is possible.
Just when you think Arsenal can be considered serious title contenders as it appeared they had established a winning mentality and resilience that had been missing, they only go and shoot themselves in the foot. Of course, the three points lost at home to West Ham is not going to be pivotal come May, but everything was in their favour yet they were unable to capitalise. The hammers defended admirably, but Arsenal were toothless in an attack and the critics will question the options available to Wenger, particularly in the central striking position. Never a man to panic, the manager will have every faith in Oliver Giroud and Theo Walcott to bounce back and make the difference on Sunday.
The two meetings between these clubs last season both went the way of Arsenal but were very close encounters. Palace definitely look to be a better side since they last faced each other in February whilst Arsenal will be a touch fragile after that defeat to West Ham. Wenger only has to point towards the run of form they put together in the second half of last season as proof of what this group of players are capable of, however, and it is never wise to reach too much into one game
Crystal Palace v Arsenal Betting Tips
It is a very intriguing match at Selhurst Park, with so much optimism surrounding Palace at this point in time. Cabaye’s arrival is a signal of intent as the record-signing from PSG would not look out of place in any Premier League side. Arsenal themselves could have being doing with his talents last Sunday as they had so much of the ball but it broke down for too often in the last third as a result of poor decision making. That being said, I felt the Gunners were well placed to challenge this season and I am not going to change that opinion after one poor performance and result. It certainly will not be easy but I think they can bounce back and get their first win of the season, here, at a ground where they have not lost on their last 10 visits.
Arsenal 4/5 @ Coral
