Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal Preview & Prediction

Most Palace fans would prefer Puncheon to play centrally, but thanks to the likes of Mutch he’s been forced out wide and is managing to so far replicate last season’s form out on the wing. Selhurst Park is a tough ground and teams often struggle to get the result they need at the Croydon-based club. Crystal Palace will put up a huge fight, but they will ultimately be overwhelmed as Arsenal’s guns will be fully loaded in this match. Wenger’s side did come under intense pressure in that game, having to make 82 clearances in order to secure the three points. Goalkeeper Cech received plenty of criticism last weekend, but Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann backed the Czech Republic worldwide to go on and have a successful season for the Gunners.

This will not be an easy game but needless to say, Arsenal need a win.

Sanchez will not be the only Gunners star returning to the fold for the weekend, as full-back Hector Bellerin appears to be ready to play after missing the season opening defeat to West Ham. Now they must try and pick back up by winning their first away game of the campaign.

Palace will be confident heading into the game following a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Norwich. Alan Pardew will know what is needed to defeat Arsenal.

The 24-year-old is now backing Arsene Wenger’s men to bounce back against the Eagles but isn’t banking on it being an easy ride at Selhurst Park.

Wilfried Zaha and Crystal Palace will hope their Arsenal hoodoo comes to an end in Week 2. They have lost every game against the Gunners since February 2005.

The 23-year-old midfielder suffered a hairline fracture to his right ankle in training earlier this month, leading to fears he could be out for up to eight weeks. Arsenal may have beaten them twice, 2-1 both times, but neither win was conclusive or dominant.