Arsenal enjoyed quite a strong preseason. The confidence within the squad seems high. However, the start of the 2022-23 Premier League season is almost upon us. With that in mind, here is our preview of Arsenal’s first PL match of the season, which is Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Recent Results
Crystal Palace is a team that Arsenal has struggled with recently. You can see that in the recent results. Crystal Palace won the previous meeting between the two clubs 3-0 and Arsenal drew with Palace 2-2 in their first meeting last season. Before that, Arsenal won 3-1. Crystal Palace have a good team and have played well under new manager Patrick Vieira. It’s reasonable to expect a tough match against Palace this time.
Arsenal Players to Watch Against Palace
Four Arsenal players stand out as players to watch against Crystal Palace: Odegaard, Saka, Jesus, and Zinchenko. Odegaard and Saka both enjoyed excellent preseason campaigns and were two of Arsenal’s best players last season. Saka is a major attacking threat against Palace and Odegaard’s creativity and passing from midfield could impact the match significantly as well. Jesus enjoyed a brilliant preseason campaign and will provide serious goal-scoring ability against Palace, as well.
As far as Zinchenko goes, I believe he will also impact the game significantly. He will likely start at left-back and will have the task of containing Zaha as well as driving Arsenal’s attack forward. Zinchenko’s ability to contain Zaha will greatly impact the outcome of this match.
Crystal Palace Players to Watch
Wilfred Zaha is the most obvious inclusion in this section. He is Palace’s best player and their biggest goal-scoring threat. Zaha, as always, played a major role in Palace’s ability to avoid a relegation battle last season. Arsenal will have to defend well against him to win the match.
Another player who Arsenal will have to watch out for is Eberechi Eze. Eze played well in his first Premier League season last season. It seems likely he will be Palace’s breakout player in this upcoming Premier League season. Arsenal will have to limit his influence on the game to win, as well.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Injury Report
Thankfully, there are only a few Arsenal injuries to report ahead of this first match. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Emile Smith-Rowe, and Kieran Tierney all might be unavailable to play against Crystal Palace. However, they have all been training recently. Hopefully, they can play some minutes against Crystal Palace, although it is unlikely that any of them will start in that match.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Prediction
Crystal Palace away is always a tricky match. Crystal Palace are better than one might think if you judge them simply based on talent. However, with Arsenal’s excellent preseason form and the arrival of good new signings, I expect Arsenal to take all three points. I predict Arsenal will win 2-0 to kick off their Premier League season.
Arsenal Will Look to Start Off Positively
Arsenal will seek to start their season with a win. Palace away is no easy fixture. However, I think the Gunners will take all three points. You can always bet on the game before it kicks off on Friday. Check back in after the match for our match reaction.