Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Premier League Clash on April 23.
Arsenal are welcoming Crystal Palace on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium for a London derby with added pressure from upcoming big games. The Gunners are still clinging onto faint hopes of a title challenge. Hence, they’re determined to secure another three points following a dominant win over Ipswich.
Palace, meanwhile, are arriving on the back of a gritty goalless draw against Bournemouth. They managed to draw that game despite going down to 10 men. With both teams juggling differing ambitions, this midweek clash offers plenty of intrigue on and off the pitch.
Tonight against Arsenal 💛#CPFC // #ARSCRY pic.twitter.com/ysHX8X9lcP
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 23, 2025
While Arsenal’s title hopes may be mathematically alive, they are still 13 points behind Liverpool. Hence, even a win here would only delay the inevitable coronation of the Reds. Mikel Arteta’s side are instead laser-focused on maintaining momentum ahead of a Champions League semi-final showdown with PSG.
Meanwhile, for mid-table Crystal Palace, this match serves as preparation for their upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. This is also a shot for them at making club history with a fourth London derby win of the season. Still, after two defeats to Arsenal already, revenge is on their minds.
Bukayo Saka took a heavy hit in Arsenal’s last game, but he should be able to recover in time for this match. Even so, Mikel Arteta may rotate with PSG looming. He may be giving Thomas Partey, Ethan Nwaneri, Jurrien Timber, and Myles Lewis-Skelly a chance to feature.
In the list of injuries, Jorginho is still suffering from a chest problem, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are yet to recover from their knee problems, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes are nursing their hamstring injuries. Riccardo Calafiori is also sidelined for this match Arteta will likely field a mixed XI, balancing fitness with form.
Raya; Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Saliba, Timber; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Trossard, Merino, Nwaneri
Also Read: Mikel Arteta Provides Update on Bukayo Saka’s Injury
Chris Richards is suspended following his red card against Bournemouth. This has left Palace short in central defence. Nathaniel Clyne could fill in, while Jefferson Lerma might start in midfield if Adam Wharton isn’t risked.
Long-term absentees Cheick Doucoure Chadi Riad are yet to recover from their knee issues. Despite the defensive reshuffle, Oliver Glasner has no fresh injury concerns from the weekend. With the FA Cup semi-final approaching, Palace may rotate, but they’ll still look to upset their derby rivals.
Henderson; Guehi, Lacroix, Clyne; Mitchell, Hughes, Lerma, Munoz; Sarr, Eze; Mateta
soccer Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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