Arsenal Host Crystal Palace as They Aim to Delay Liverpool’s Title Party
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Wednesday night as they host Crystal Palace in a crucial London derby at the Emirates Stadium. With Liverpool on the brink of securing the title, the Gunners will be keen to postpone any celebrations with a strong performance at home.
This fixture marks the third encounter between the sides this season, with Arsenal having claimed victory in both previous meetings, including a five-goal demolition at Selhurst Park and a tense Carabao Cup quarter-final win.
While Mikel Arteta’s side cruised past Ipswich in a dominant 4-0 display last weekend, Crystal Palace has struggled to maintain its form, going winless in its last three outings. The Eagles have conceded ten goals across defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle before managing a point against Bournemouth.
A win for Arsenal won’t be enough to revive their title hopes, but it could prove vital in securing a top-two finish. For Palace, the final stretch of the campaign appears to be a formality, with their mid-table status all but confirmed and focus likely shifting to the FA Cup.
Match Info:
- Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 BST
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
Recent Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches):
- Dec 2024: Crystal Palace 1–5 Arsenal (Premier League)
- Dec 2024: Arsenal 3–2 Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup)
- Jan 2024: Arsenal 5–0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
- Aug 2023: Crystal Palace 0–1 Arsenal (Premier League)
- Mar 2023: Arsenal 4–1 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
How to Watch:
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go, NOW
- USA: NBC Sports App, USA Network, Telemundo Deportes
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
Team News:
Arsenal
Rotation could be on the cards with a Champions League clash against PSG looming. Despite a strong XI against Ipswich, key figures like Bukayo Saka may be rested. Defensive reshuffles are expected, with Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey pushing for starts. Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain unavailable for the rest of the season.
Predicted XI: Raya; White, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.
Crystal Palace
Chris Richards will miss out due to suspension, opening the door for Jefferson Lerma to step into defence. Injuries continue to hinder Palace’s squad depth with Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure sidelined. Eberechi Eze should be fit to feature despite an early substitution last weekend.
Predicted XI: Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
Match Prediction:
Arsenal’s recent form and head-to-head dominance point to a controlled home win. With Crystal Palace drifting through the final weeks of their season, the Gunners should be able to secure three points without much trouble.
Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Crystal Palace
