Arsenal will be looking to return to the top of the Barclays Premier League at least temporarily by beating Tony Pulis' Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Gunners dropped to second place following their draw with Southampton in midweek while Manchester City emphatically overcame Tottenham Hotspur and went top with a point's lead.
However, given the fact that City need to face Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, Arsenal can be hopeful of some dropped points from their rivals. They need to do their bit though and overcome Pulis' Crystal Palace who are slowly but surely steering clear of the relegation zone. Pulis has worked wonders since taking over from Ian Holloway.
In the last meeting between the two sides, Arsenal won against a Crystal Palace side who were fresh from the sacking of Holloway. The Gunners were far from convincing as they needed a Mikel Arteta penalty and a late Olivier Giroud goal to run out 2-0 winners. They will be hoping that things are much more comfortable this time around.
Arsenal
Arsenal's title challenge has had it basis on their impeccable home record. They have won eight of their eleven games at home and the conceding of only six goals has underlined their solidity at the Emirates Stadium. Since that dismal opening day defeat to Aston Villa, Arsenal have played with control and verve in front of their own fans.
Arsenal's title challenge has had it basis on their impeccable home record. They have won eight of their eleven games at home and the conceding of only six goals has underlined their solidity at the Emirates Stadium. Since that dismal opening day defeat to Aston Villa, Arsenal have played with control and verve in front of their own fans.
In a worrying development for Wenger, the injuries have started piling up again. Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky who were expected back in action have suffered further setbacks. Mathieu Flamini did himself and Arsenal no favours with his sending off at Southampton and the subsequent ban means that the combative French midfielder misses out for the visit of Palace. Jack Wilshere, who has been great in recent weeks, suffered an injury. In what is perhaps the only real good news, Rosicky is expected to be available for selection for this game.
Crystal Palace
The story of Crystal Palace's season can be told in two timelines - before and after Pulis. The Irishman will surely get a nomination for manager of the year if Palace avoid the drop as they have picked up a remarkable 19 out of 36 points since his appointment compared to the measly tally of 4 out of 33 before it. They have won their last two league games keeping two clean-sheets in the process. However, it has been tough sailing away from home for Pulis with his side picking up only six points out of an available 33 and have scored only 5 goals compared to the 17 that they have shipped in. If they are to survive, such statistics need to improve and a result at the Emirates, one of the tougher grounds for visiting teams, is exactly the sort of boost that Palace need away from home.
The story of Crystal Palace's season can be told in two timelines - before and after Pulis. The Irishman will surely get a nomination for manager of the year if Palace avoid the drop as they have picked up a remarkable 19 out of 36 points since his appointment compared to the measly tally of 4 out of 33 before it. They have won their last two league games keeping two clean-sheets in the process. However, it has been tough sailing away from home for Pulis with his side picking up only six points out of an available 33 and have scored only 5 goals compared to the 17 that they have shipped in. If they are to survive, such statistics need to improve and a result at the Emirates, one of the tougher grounds for visiting teams, is exactly the sort of boost that Palace need away from home.
Form Guide
Arsenal: D-W-W-W-W
Crystal Palace: W-L-W-L-W
Arsenal: D-W-W-W-W
Crystal Palace: W-L-W-L-W
Match Prediction:
It is a clash of soft centres as both sides have a host of injuries in midfield. The main threat from Palace will be their set pieces but Arsenal's overall quality should bring them the three points.
It is a clash of soft centres as both sides have a host of injuries in midfield. The main threat from Palace will be their set pieces but Arsenal's overall quality should bring them the three points.
Score Prediction:
Arsenal 3 - 0 Crystal Palace
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