Frazier Campbell pulled off a 1-1 draw for Alan Pardew’s side with his second-half equaliser to make it seven points from a possible nine in their last three league outings. They face a tough task awaits them this weekend when they welcome an in-form Arsenal side to Selhurst Park.
Midfielder Joe Ledley has been a strong presence in the middle of the park for the Eagles this term, providing plenty of defensive cover whilst also venturing forward when the opportunity presents itself. He’s now won an excellent 82.3% of his 51 attempted challenges this season, conceding just seven fouls in the process according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Joel Ward has been one of Palace’s hardest working players this season and he will likely have to put in yet another lung-busting display against an Arsenal outfit which can often dominate possession. He’s covered the greatest distance of any Eagles player this term, with 258.1km to his name.
Palace’s own attacking threat will likely come in the form of Yannick Bolasie. Alan Pardew will be hoping he can add another dimension to the Eagles going forward following his return from the African Cup of Nations and his stats suggest he will likely deliver. He’s completed a squad-best 53 dribbles this season, as well as attempting 83 crosses, so it’s likely Palace’s strikers will have another supplier of assists to feed off in the coming weeks. Bolasie is 15/2 to get on the scoresheet himself and score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
Goals from Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott gave Arsenal all three points against Leicester last time out in the league, although Arsene Wenger will be hoping for a much improved performance against Crystal Palace after a nervy second half against the Foxes which could quite easily have turned out differently for the Gunners.
Santi Cazorla’s form in recent weeks has been well-documented and the EA SPORTS Player Performance shows just how influential he has been for the Gunners this season. He’s so far racked up an impressive 890 completed passes in the opponent’s half this term, meaning he’s completed one on average every 2.2 minutes he’s been on the pitch this season. Palace will have to mindful of allowing the Spaniard too much time and room to dictate the game this weekend. Cazorla is an industry best 4/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
Right-back Hector Bellerin is another who has been turning in some excellent displays this season, quickly establishing himself as Arsene Wenger’s first choice rightback. His pace is one of his most effective qualities and this was again on show against Leicester, where he recorded the highest speed of any player on the pitch, having been clocked at 33.3km/h according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Centre-half Laurent Koscielny popped up with a goal against Leicester but unsurprisingly it is at the back where he has been making the greatest impact this season. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he’s completed a defensive contribution (block, interception, clearance, tackles won) on average once every 7.9 minutes he’s been on the pitch this campaign.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Possible Lineups:
Crystal Palace: Speroni; Ward, Hangeland, Dann, Souare; Puncheon, McArthur, Ledley, Bolasie; Chamakh, Campbell
Arsenal: Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck; Giroud
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Match Facts:
- Crystal Palace have recovered the joint-most points from losing positions of any team in the Premier League (15 along with Spurs).
- Arsenal have won seven and lost none of the last 10 meetings with Crystal Palace in all competitions.
- The Eagles have won just seven of their 29 Barclays Premier League home London derbies.
- The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 11 visits to Selhurst Park to play Palace in all competitions (W6 D5).
- Theo Walcott has scored seven goals in his last seven Premier League starts.
- Only Swansea (12) have dropped more points from wining positions than Arsenal (10) away from home in the Premier League this season.
- Arsenal have won just one of 12 Premier League games after falling behind this season and that was against Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season.
- Crystal Palace have won just three of their last 14 Premier League games at Selhurst Park (W3 D4 L7).
Facts compiled from Eurosport
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Prediction:
A 1-2 win for the visitors.