Premier League: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s fixture at Selhurst Park

Theo Walcott (GETTY IMAGES)

Both teams will be desperate for a positive result and vital points toward their rather different season goals.

Arsenal know that a win will continue to put pressure on their closest rivals for a top four finish, whilst Crystal Palace will look to pull further clear from the relegation dogfight.

After narrowly exiting the FA Cup last week, Alan Pardew will be hoping the Eagles can return to the good league form they have shown since his switch from Newcastle.

Arsene Wenger takes his side across London before turning his focus to European competition and Monaco next week.

Kick-Off: Saturday 3pm.

Past Three Meetings...

Arsenal 2 (Koscielny, Ramsey) Crystal Palace 1 (Hangeland), Premier League, August 2014

Arsenal 2 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 2) Crystal Palace 0, Premier League, February 2014

Crystal Palace 0 Arsenal 2 (Arteta, Giroud), Premier League, October 2013

Stats...

Crystal Palace have taken 10 points from a possible 15 since Alan Pardew took over in January.

Palace haven’t beaten Arsenal in 11 attempts, since October 1994.

87% of Arsenal’s passes this season have been short, with a small increase in long balls away from home.

Odds...

Crystal Palace to win: 4.8

Arsenal to win: 1.83

Draw: 3.75

Classic Match...

August 2014, Aaron Ramsey’s 91st minute winner saved Arsenal’s blushes in the season opener at the Emirates. Brede Hangeland had given the Eagles the lead in the wake of Tony Pulis’ shock departure on the eve of the game, only for Laurent Koscielny to equalise, before Ramsey’s late show snatched the points for the Gunners.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm