Rob Eddy picks out two tips for Arsenal's trip to Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Monday night.
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Arsenal suffered Premier League heartache last season, coming up short as they were chased down by Manchester City in the title race despite leading for the majority of the way.
The Gunners picked up a 2-1 win in their first game of the new campaign and, on Monday, travel across London to face Crystal Palace, who also kicked off their season with a win, beating Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
The Eagles have won just one of the last eight meetings between these two teams so will be hoping to improve upon that record in front of their home support.
Gunners fancied to win entertaining affair
Arsenal dominated their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest but they can be susceptible to conceding late goals when ahead.
Despite finishing second last season, both teams found the net in 55 percent of Arsenal’s games and the same looks likely when they visit Crystal Palace.
Roy Hodgson’s side scored in four of their last five home games to end last season and have found the net in four of the last five head-to-heads against these opponents.
Injuries to Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko means that the Gunners’ back line will not be at full strength and the likes of Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Edouard can cause plenty of problems.
However the attacking talents at Arsenal’s own disposal could be the difference in this clash and they should have too much class for their hosts, who they beat 4-1 the last time the two sides met.
Wide men key for visitors
With injuries to Gabriel Jesus throughout last season, Arsenal relied upon their wide forwards to provide their consistent attacking output and the same looks likely to happen again this time around.
Bukayo Saka netted twice in the Gunners’ 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates last season and continues to be one of the best attacking talents in the Premier League.
On the opposite flank Gabriel Martinelli is no slouch either, netting 15 league goals last season.
The Brazilian also averaged almost a shot on target per game, 0.97 per 90 minutes, and is fancied for one again in this matchup.
Martinelli netted in both the home and away games against Crystal Palace last season and could come back to haunt them once again.
On the opposite flank Saka should also be able to record a shot on target, having had two in his side’s opener against Nottingham Forest.
The Englishman is also on penalty duties for Mikel Arteta’s side and averaged 0.82 shots on target per 90 minutes last season so the wide pair both registering a shot on target each looks a solid bet.
Tips
Arsenal to win and both teams to score {ODDS:1182048563:13/5}
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both to have shot on target {ODDS:1201754132:13/10}
