ARSENAL will be looking to tighten their grip on top spot in the English Premier league when they entertain Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta's men restored their five point lead over Manchester City by cruising to a 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage last Sunday.
However, the Gunners have since exited the Europa League courtesy of a penalty shootout loss after a 1-1 draw with Sporting Lisbon on Thursday night.
Seeking to end the club’s 19-year wait for a league title, Arteta and Co must now switch attention back to league matters when Crystal Palace come calling.
A 1-0 loss at rivals Brighton on Wednesday night proved to be the final nail in Patrick Viera's coffin, with the Frenchman relieved of his duties on Friday morning.
The Eagles have not won a match in 2023 and have been dropping like a stone into the relegation battle and they should expect little respite this weekend when they make the short trip to north London.
Outright Betting
As expected, Arsenal are red-hot 2/7 (Bet 365) favourites to record what would be a sixth top-flight victory on the trot.
Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their last 11 Premier League games and that wretched run is expected to continue here, with an away win trading at a towering 12/1 (Bet 365) while share of the spoils is an unfancied 5/1 (UniBet)
Betting Angles
Given Arsenal's short odds it's a case of getting inventive order to squeeze out a backable play here, so I'll bundle up Arsenal to Win, Under Five Match Goals, Over Three Arsenal Corners and Over Zero Crystal Palace Cards at 20/23 (Bet 365).
Although Crystal Palace head to Emirates managerless, I suspect they will look to sit deep and soak up pressure, so Arsenal may find it difficult to break down their opponents, similar to what Man City experienced against the Eagles last weekend.
What's more, the Gunners midweek exertions could also take their toll here, so it could take a little time for the hosts to explode into action.
However, this is the type of assignment that Arsenal have been particularly efficient in dealing with in recent years, not to mention they have also have the added incentive of extending their lead at the top to eight points, at least temporarily.
It's also worth pointing out that a sizeable 14 of Arsenal's 21 overall league wins this season so far have featured four goals or fewer and I see no reason to oppose the same formula here.
Considering Arsenal will almost certainly dominate possession, as well as the fact they averaged 7.38 corners per-game at home in the Premier League this season, I'll also go with a minimum of four Arsenal corners – a line the North Londoners have cleared in 23 of their 27 top-flight tussles this term to date.
Given that Arsenal have drawn at least one card from each of the 13 sides to visit the Emirates on Premier League duty this season, I'll finalise the 20/23 (Bet 365 ) Bet Builder with at least one Crystal Palace card.
The Eagles have earned the unenviable tag as the most ill-disciplined side in the division with their 2.44 card per-game average, so a solitary caution doesn't look like too much to ask given the visitors are likely to find themselves defending for long periods here.
Having said all of that, one Arsenal player who looks overpriced to have his name taken is Ben White who is as big as 8/1 with SkyBet.
The English defender has made a seamless transition from centre-back to right-back this season but he could be handed the thankless task of trying to tame Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha on Sunday, who is the most fouled player in Premier League history
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace will be played on Mar 19, 2023 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Crystal Palace prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
