League leaders Arsenal will look to extend their dominant run when they host struggling Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s in-form side have won six straight matches across all competitions, while Oliver Glasner’s Eagles remain without a win in three outings.
Both teams experienced contrasting fortunes in midweek action, with Arsenal producing a convincing Champions League display and Palace suffering a disappointing European defeat. The London derby therefore promises an intriguing contest between confidence and recovery.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend showcased their remarkable set-piece efficiency, taking their tally to 10 such goals in just eight league games. However, Gabriel Magalhães’ thigh injury is a concern, likely prompting a defensive reshuffle with Cristhian Mosquera expected to step in.
Piero Hincapie remains short of match fitness and is unlikely to start. Arteta is still without Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Noni Madueke until after the international break, while long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Riccardo Calafiori could replace youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.
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Crystal Palace’s recent slump continued with a 1-0 Conference League loss to AEK Larnaca, extending a worrying run of defensive lapses. The Eagles remain without Caleb Kporha, Cheick Doucouré, and Chadi Riad, all sidelined through injury. Jaydee Canvot is expected to make way after his costly midweek mistake.
Chris Richards is also likely returning to partner Joachim Andersen at the centre-back position. Jean-Philippe Mateta, fresh off his hat-trick against Bournemouth, will spearhead the attack once again, aiming to exploit Arsenal’s potential defensive adjustments.
The odds favouring over 2.5 goals in Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace align with several key trends. Arsenal have struck ten set-piece goals in just eight Premier League games this season. That is the fastest any side has reached double figures in dead-ball goals in the competition.
Additionally, Palace head into the match off the back of loss and defensive lapses, conceding six goals in their last three games and registering just one clean sheet from their last seven outings. With Arsenal pushing forward and Palace vulnerable, a match featuring three or more goals is well supported.
Backing Viktor Gyokeres to score anytime in this fixture is justified by his recent form and projective role in Arsenal’s attack. He ended a nine-game goal drought with a brace in a 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid, bringing renewed confidence and momentum.
The Swedish striker has scored three goals in his first eight Premier League appearances this season, demonstrating a clear attacking threat. Given Palace’s defensive fragility and Arsenal’s dominance in possession and territory at the Emirates, Gyokeres is well-placed to find the net.
Another compelling prop is Gabriel Martinelli to either score or assist at +115. Over the past two seasons, he has contributed 23 combined goals and assists in Premier League play. Though his tally for 2025-26 is still emerging, his involvement in attacking moves remains significant and his shooting accuracy is impressive. Arsenal are expected to dominate and create opportunities. Especially via set pieces and open play. Hence, Martinelli’s involvement in a goal is a sensible wager.
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Arsenal arrive at this fixture in formidable form, boasting a defensive foundation that has conceded just three league goals this season and maintaining clean sheets in their European matches. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are declining, going three games without a win and looking vulnerable defensively with minimal clean-sheet output.
With their set-piece strength and home advantage at the Emirates Stadium under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal should control the contest and secure a commanding 3-0 win over the Eagles.
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