Crystal Palace and Arsenal will renew their rivalry under Friday night lights at Selhurst Park. These London teams will feature in the first match of the 2022/23 Premier League season. Are top football betting tips experts banking on Mikel Arteta’s side to build on their impressive preseason form and start the season with a bang? Or, do the best tips for betting on football indicate that Crystal Palace will hold on to their excellent recent record against their Friday night visitors, who managed to win only once in their last eight matches against the Eagles?
Preview
Arsenal’s season trajectory in 2021/22 was fit for a blockbuster film. They lost their first three games, and manager Mikel Arteta’s job appeared to be hanging on a thread. Then, they recovered and, at one point, seemed favourites to land Champions League football, only to throw it away in the last few matches. Thankfully, Amazon’s camera crew filmed that incredible roller coaster ride behind the scenes. Arsenal’s 21/22 season documentary ‘’All Or Nothing: Arsenal” could be a perfect binge-worthy content for all football lovers.
While last season’s ups and downs made for great television, Arsenal will not be eager to revisit that situation. The Gunners have already spent €132 million on transfers in this window to ensure a smooth return to the Champions League, ending their six year absence from Europe’s most elite club competition. Based on his preseason brilliance, Gabriel Jesus promises to be one of the best signings of the season. Oleksandr Zinchenko, another ex-Manchester City player, came in as a versatile option, who can play both as a left back or a central midfielder. Return of William Saliba, who was on loan at Merseilles, adds more security to Arsenal’s backline. Portugal U-21 international Fabio Vieira also seems like a fantastic signing.
Arsenal’s recent 6-0 and 4-0 thrashing of Sevilla and Chelsea, respectively, will give them confidence ahead of the season opener. However, Crystal Palace, led by an Arsenal legend, might take a sterner test of the North London club.
Patrick Vieira showed no mercy to his old club last season. In the first match, Palace narrowly missed out on a win after Alexandre Lacazette scored an equalizer in the dying seconds. But, they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory against Arsenal at Selhurst Park.
Apart from their record against Arsenal in recent matches, Crystal Palace can draw confidence from their preseason performances. Vieira’s men have played nine matches to prepare themselves for a challenging Premier League season. A return of three wins and one draw in the last four games brought a perfect end to a productive preseason for Palace. So, they will hope to get something from the game when they welcome Arsenal on Friday.
Crystal Palace don’t have any major injury concerns to worry about ahead of the game. Cheick Doucoure, who joined Palace from Lens this summer, is expected to make his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
Arteta will have a selection headache as Kieran Tierney has returned to training and Oleksandr Zinchenko is fit as well. Both of them are candidates for the left back position. Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe might not regain full fitness before the match. Gabriel Jesus is likely to spearhead the Arsenal attack in a competitive fixture for the first time.
Prediction
Crystal Palace 1:2 Arsenal
Betting Tips
Arsenal to win @ 1.95