The EFL Cup game was an exciting one as the Gunners won the game by 3-2, and fans can expect this game to be a thrilling one. Both teams are looking to gain more points in the next matches and most probably the Gunners will win this league fixture in a very close encounter.
Match info: Premier League
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Date: Saturday, 21st December 2024
Time: 6:30 pm Nigerian time
After Wednesday's five-goal extravaganza in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, Saturday's Premier League London derby between midweek foes Crystal Palace and Arsenal has a lot to live up to.
The two capital counterparts reunite at Selhurst Park after Mikel Arteta's men prevailed 3-2 in the last eight of the League Cup, reaching the semi-finals thanks to a born-again Brazilian.
Head-to-head:
- Crystal Palace have won just 4 of the 30 Premier League meetings between the two teams.
- Arsenal have recorded 18 victories.
- The remaining 8 clashes ended in draws.
- Arsenal have won their last 5 derbies against Palace.
- 6 of their last 7 encounters produced at least 2 goals.
- Arsenal have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 4 EPL meetings.
Form:
- Crystal Palace in the league: D-D-W-D-W
- Crystal Palace in all competitions: D-W-D-W-L
- Arsenal in the League: W-W-W-D-D
- Arsenal in all competitions: W-D-W-D-W
Team News:
- Daniel Munoz is suspended for this fixture. Chadi Riad and Matheus Franca are doubtful for this match for Crystal Palace.
- For the visitors, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still injured. Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko are doubtful for the match.
Player(s) to watch:
- Trevoh Chalobah is a versatile player who is proven as both a central defender and defensive midfielder. When defending as an individual he presses effectively with aggression before slowing down as he approaches his opponent. He regularly succeeds in preventing opponents from turning when they receive the ball. He is also effective at reaching for the ball without conceding fouls, largely because his upper body strength means he can push across opponents and towards the ball. Chalobah astutely reads what’s unfolding around him. He has an average passing accuracy of 69% per game, but he is great at winning duels. The player even has a 71% success rate of winning aerial duels per match.
- Bukayo Saka is capable of getting into dangerous positions and playing killer final balls. He is happy on either wing but thrives when he has the freedom to move infield and into positions between the lines to receive the passes. He has brilliant close control and dribbling ability and many times uses stepovers to beat the defenders. One of Saka’s greatest strengths is his awareness, he is adept at making split-second decisions based on constantly scanning his surroundings. In 15 Premier League games till now he has scored five goals and provided 10 assists. He is in great form and will be a big threat to the Eagles.