Arsenal vs Crystal Palace prediction: How will the Premier League fixture play out on Sunday?

Everything you need to know ahead of the crucial Premier League fixture

Following on from the sacking of Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace travel to North London on Sunday to face Arsenal at the Emirates.

The Frenchman was sacked on Friday morning having failed to win any of his last 12 games, with Palace languishing dangerously just three points above the drop zone.

Former club captain Paddy McCarthy will fill in as caretaker manager on Sunday, where Palace fans will be hoping to inflict more pain on an already wounded Arsenal side.

Mikel Arteta’s men crashed out of the Europa League last night on penalties after a frantic game at home to Sporting CP. Gabriel Martinelli missed his penalty as the Gunners exited the competition at the round of 16 stage.

However, the result could yet be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal, who lead the Premier League by five points and have the opportunity to stretch that lead to eight points on Sunday with Manchester City playing in the FA Cup.

Arteta has injury concerns, with William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu both coming off within the first twenty minutes on Thursday. Nevertheless, Gabriel Jesus made a promising return from injury, and the Gunners will finish the season with regular long breaks in between their games, a luxury that City will not yet have.

When is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?

The match will kick off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 19 March.

How can I watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace and is there a live stream?

The game will not be shown live on UK television as the fixture was not picked for a TV slot. Fans can catch highlights on BBC Match of the Day 2 at 10.30pm on Sunday.

Predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Holding, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Saka

Crystal Palace: Whitworth; Cline, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Sambi Lokonga, Doucoure, Schlupp; Olise, Edouard, Zaha

Odds

Arsenal: 2/9

Draw: 9/2

Crystal Palace: 11/1

Prediction

Both teams will be reeling after midweek events, with Palace fans hoping that their side are buoyed by their caretaker manager and are capable of putting in a defiant performance. Arsenal will be hurt after Thursday’s loss in a game they really should have won, but will look to put any demons behind them as they attempt to go eight point clear. With no other competitions to compete for, expect Arteta to name his strongest possible team. They have been a joy to watch at times this season, and fans will expect them to resume that form straight away. Taking all these factors into account, it is difficult to see anything other than a win for the Gunners. Arsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace

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