Premier League Predictions: Arsenal to beat Palace

Arsenal host Crystal Palace with eyes on PSG clash, while Liverpool await possible title confirmation if Gunners drop points at the Emirates.

Arsenal's home fixture against Palace is one they would approach with caution as they bubble-wrap their talents ahead of the Champions League semifinals. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Emirates Stadium
8:00pm

Without a shadow of a doubt, Arsenal's focus is on the Champions League, where they're in the semifinals and would negotiate a final ticket with PSG over two legs; however, they have this Premier League fixture to deal with before then.

Arsenal swept aside Ipswich at Portman Road on Sunday, a result that has ultimately condemned the Tractor Boys to relegation, and, with PSG coming up next week, one expects Mikel Arteta to rotate roundly again.

Crystal Palace has suffered heavy defeats in their last two games, losing 5-2 after leading 2-0 against Manchester City and following it up with another 5-0 loss to Newcastle in their midweek game last week.

Oliver Glasner insists his team deserves more than they have gotten from the last two games. He will have another opportunity to prove that against a team that isn't interested in lots of what is happening in the league.

The reverse fixture was where Arsenal's season fell apart; despite winning 5-1, the Gunners lost Bukayo Saka in the game, and the England star didn't return to the pitch until two weeks ago, something that derailed the Gunners' season.

Liverpool could be champions without kicking the ball on Wednesday; should Arsenal drop points at the Emirates against Palace, Liverpool would be crowned champions, their second title in 5 years.

Crystal Palace is entering pre-season mode. The goal is to finish as high as possible while building a platform for a better performance next season. The Eagles would look at the likes of Bournemouth, Fulham and Brighton and wonder what could have been if they had done better too.

Arsenal could rest. Bukayo Saka picked up a knock in the game against Ipswich Town. Mikel Arteta confirms the club is sweating on Saka's fitness, and with PSG coming up next week, they know where their priorities lie.

The likes of Mikel Merino and Declan Rice could also be managed with Thomas Partey set to miss the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. It's up to Arteta to decide who plays and who sits, considering Arsenal won't be playing in the Premier League this weekend.

Palace will be without Chris Richards; the defender is suspended, but Ben Chilwell could start after shaking off a knock. Expect Palace to sit deep for counterattacks; this should be fun to watch.

Verdict: Straight win for Arsenal.