EPL: Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal Odds
London Derby at Selhurst Park
Arsenal and Crystal Palace Win Openers
Arsenal head from North to South London on Monday to take on Crystal Palace for their first London Derby of the season. Hosts Crystal Palace managed to win their 2023-24 EPL opener vs. Sheffield United, 1-0. Arsenal did the same as they took down Nottingham Forest, 2-1. Both sides will try to remain perfect in the only Monday match on the Matchday 2 EPL schedule. We’ll take a look at the Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal odds as the Gunners try to prove they’re title contenders once again.
Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal
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Head-to-Head
Arsenal’s EPL scores vs. Crystal Palace in 2022-23 were quite impressive. They completed the double over Palace for the first time since the 2017-18 season and picked up 2-0 and 4-1 wins. This has been a draw-heavy fixture over the last few years, with five in the last ten games. Arsenal have won three of the last five matches between these sides, though.
Olise Set to Leave Crystal Palace
Longtime Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha left the club over the Summer and joined Galatasaray. Midfielder Michael Olise is set to leave South London for West London-based Chelsea. The Blues have reportedly activated a release clause in his contract and personal terms shouldn’t be an issue. Even if the deal falls through, Olise is out injured for the next few weeks.
Even without Zaha and Olise, Palace managed to win their season opener at Sheffield United. Crystal Palace had two goals called back for offsides but Odsonne Édouard got on the end of a Jordan Ayew cross for the game’s only goal. Palace’s EPL results have drastically improved since the experienced Roy Hodgson took over as manager.
Crystal Palace have lost just two of their last 11 Premier League matches and have averaged close to two goals per game during that time. Eberechi Eze was Palace’s leading scorer last season, with 10 goals, but he’s also drawing interest from other clubs. If a suitable offer comes in, don’t be surprised if Palace opt to sell him. With Palace reasonably quiet in the transfer market, it could be a long season for them if they bring in some reinforcements.
Arsenal Lose Timber to Long Term Injury
Jurrien Timber had a bright start to his Arsenal career. The versatile defender started at left back in the FA Community Shield vs. Manchester City and was one of the best players on the field. The quality of Arsenal’s play notably dropped off when he was substituted but they came away with a victory in penalties. Timber suffered a non-contact injury in the Premier League opener vs. Nottingham Forest and Arsenal have confirmed it is a serious knee injury.
He will be out for at least a few months, which means that Arsenal’s fullback depth has taken a hit. Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal odds Inter Milan were reportedly interested in signing Takehiro Tomiyasu but now the Japan international is ever-more important for the Gunners. Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to first team training, which is a big boost for Arsenal as well. Arsenal also brought in David Raya to challenge goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Meanwhile, striker Gabriel Jesus figures to be out for the next few weeks with a knee injury. With 17 goal contributions last season, Jesus was fourth in Arsenal’s EPL stats. Expect Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz to fill in for him in the meantime. Arsenal completely dominated possession in their 2-1 opening win vs. Nottingham Forest and looked dangerous. Eddie Nketiah scored the opener on a ridiculous assist from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka doubled the lead with a screamer.
However, the Gunners allowed Forest back into the match, which set up a nervy final ten minutes. Timber, Havertz and Declan Rice all made their Premier League debuts for Arsenal in the match. The trio look like good signings for Arsenal’s bid to compete for trophies this season.
Match Analysis & Odds
It’s likely that Arsenal’s midfield will dominate Crystal Palace in the same manner as Nottingham Forest. If Arsenal take their chances, this one might not even be close. Still, Roy Hodgson, who is in his second stint as Crystal Palace manager, has lost just three of his eight matches vs. Arsenal. Currently, the Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal odds list the Gunners as one-goal favorites for this one.
On either end of the spread, both teams come in at -110 odds to cover. Note that Palace haven’t lost at home since falling 1-0 to Manchester City back in March but they haven’t played any of the “big six” teams at Selhurst Park since then. Crystal Palace are +500 moneyline underdogs, while a draw displays +315 odds for this one.
Eddie Nketiah is likely to lead the line again for Arsenal and he got a goal vs. Nottingham Forest. That means Kai Havertz could play the left eight role once again. At times, it appears Arsenal have a front five of Nketiah, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard.
Their offensive potential is the reason they’re -180 favorites for the match. Both over and under 2.5 goals are priced at -110 odds but Arsenal have scored six goals in their last two matches vs. Crystal Palace.
