Arsenal v Crystal Palace – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Arsenal have won 16 of their last 18 matches. The Eagles are winless in three matches with nine goals conceded.

Match: Arsenal v Crystal Palace
When: Tuesday, 23 Dec 2025

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have won 16 of their last 19 matches across different competitions. They beat Bayern Munich 3-1 in the Champions League, but some dropped league points followed. A 1-1 draw at ten-man Chelsea came in a tired display, before beating Brentford 2-0 at home.

The Gunners conceded deep into stoppage time to lose 2-1 at Aston Villa. A 3-0 win over Club Brugge followed, but a late goal was needed to squeeze a 2-1 win at Wolves. On Saturday, they again ground out a narrow win, taking three points in a 1-0 victory at Everton with just 0.20 xG allowed.

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal will rotate their side in this match, whilst Mikel Arteta is without five injured players. Defenders Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White will miss out, whilst Kai Havertz and Max Dowman are injured in attack.

Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are set to start. Gabriel Jesus is pushing for a first start after a long-term injury. Christian Norgaard could get an outing, possibly as a makeshift centre back.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners need to end their trophy drought. They take this competition seriously, but it’s very much their third priority.

With three league matches in seven days on the horizon, Arsenal won’t use too much energy and will hope to win in regulation time.

Crystal Palace Form

Palace are on a run of seven losses in 17 matches right now. They won 2-1 at Wolves, but a 2-1 defeat followed at Strasbourg in the UEFA Conference League. A 2-1 home to Man Utd saw a lead surrendered, before three wins in a row. They won 1-0 at Burnley and 2-1 at Fulham.

After putting up 28 shots and 3.89 xG in a 3-0 win at Shelbourne, they’re winless in three matches. A 3-0 home loss to Man City was followed by a 2-2 home draw vs KuPS with a second-string XI. On Saturday, they lost 4-1 at Leeds as they allowed 20 shots and conceded four set-piece goals.

Crystal Palace Team News

Coach Oliver Glasner is without key right wingback Daniel Munoz. Central midfielder Cheick Doucoure and centre back Chadi Riad are ruled out due to injury.

Ismaila Sarr is away at the AFCON and Daichi Kamada has suffered a serious hamstring injury. Justin Devenny and Jefferson Lerma could come into the XI for fresh legs and extra physicality.

Crystal Palace Motivation

Palace take the cups very seriously and want to reach the semi-finals. They need a response to poor recent losses.

Glasner’s side could set up quite defensively. They will be very wary of Arsenal’s set-piece threat.

Key Stats

• Arsenal have won 16 of their last 18 matches
• Arsenal have conceded in 6 of their last 9 matches
• Arsenal’s Noni Madueke has scored 3 goals in his last 3 starts
• Crystal Palace have lost 7 of their last 17 matches (last 3: LDL)
• Crystal Palace have conceded 17 goals in their last 6 matches at the Emirates

Verdict

The Gunners should have too much for Palace here. I’m backing a home win with both teams on target.

Best Bet: Arsenal win and both teams to score at 3.50

Goalscorer Tip: Noni Madueke to score anytime at 3.25