Table-topping Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace in London derby.
Arsenal will host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium at 14:00 [GMT+1] on Sunday, October 25, at the Emirates.
Following an emphatic 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal will host Crystal Palace in a London derby that pits two sides in contrasting moods against each other. Arsenal, sitting confidently at the top of the Premier League table, are looking to extend a three-game winning run [WDWWW]. The Gunners have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning five of their last six London Premier League derbies with Palace. The only exception came in this exact fixture last season — a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates. Historically, Arsenal have also made their home ground a fortress in this matchup. Crystal Palace have managed just one win in their last 14 away league games against the Gunners (D5 L8), that solitary victory coming back in April 2019 under Roy Hodgson. When starting a matchday at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal’s home record has been near impeccable. They’ve lost just two of 70 such matches (W52 D16), against Hull City in 2008 and Manchester City in 2023. Since that loss to City, Arsenal have been ruthless when leading the table, winning seven of their last eight at the Emirates (D1) and scoring an impressive 28 goals in those games. In addition, Arsenal’s threat from set pieces could prove decisive. They’ve scored a league-leading 10 goals from set pieces this season, including seven from corners, finding the net via a dead-ball situation in six of their eight matches. Remarkably, it’s the earliest point in Premier League history any side has reached double figures for set-piece goals — another testament to their tactical sharpness and precision in key moments. Viktor Gyökeres is expected at the attacking end of Arsenal’s 4—2—3—1.
Crystal Palace also resume Premier League duties after European competition where they lost 1-0 to AEK Lamaca. Oliver Glasner would be keen to see his side brush off the disappointing defeat as they make preparations for the short trip across town for this London derby. Palace [LWWLD], who are in 8th place with 13 points, are not without their own strengths. Oliver Glasner’s side lead the Premier League for shots on target (43), expected goals (17.4), and big chances created (33). Yet their finishing has let them down — they’ve underperformed their xG by a league-high -5.4 and missed 22 big chances. Palace have drawn eight of their last 14 league games (W5 L1), including a 3-3 thriller against Bournemouth last time out, showing both their attacking intent and defensive frailties. A 3—4—2—1 setup with Jean-Philippe Mateta in attack is expected against Arsenal.