Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Tips and Odds – 23/04/2025

• Fixture: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
• Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025
• Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

Match Preview

This midweek Premier League clash at the Emirates comes with both teams facing very different end-of-season realities. Arsenal, after another promising campaign, are all but out of the title race, sitting a distant second behind a rampant Liverpool side that has effectively turned the title run-in into a procession. The Gunners’ hopes of ending their two-decade wait for the league crown have faded following a costly winless run in March and a series of dropped points that allowed Liverpool to open up a double-digit lead. Now, Mikel Arteta’s men look set to finish as runners-up for the third straight season, with their focus shifting to securing second place and maintaining momentum for next year.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have their eyes fixed firmly on Wembley. With an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa looming just three days after this fixture, Oliver Glasner’s side must balance their league commitments with the chance to make club history. While Palace’s recent form has been patchy—conceding ten goals in two bruising defeats before a spirited effort against Bournemouth—the squad’s energy and focus may understandably be split as they prepare for their biggest game of the season. Glasner himself has acknowledged that while the semi-final is “somewhere in the back” of players’ minds, the team remains committed to giving their best in every match.

Arsenal’s recent results have been mixed. Their Champions League exploits have been a source of pride, but domestically, back-to-back draws against Everton and Brentford have essentially ended their title challenge. Injuries and suspensions continue to bite, with doubts over key midfielders and defenders. Arteta will likely rotate his squad to keep players fresh for their remaining league fixtures and possible European commitments, but will still expect a professional performance at home.

Palace’s defensive solidity, once a hallmark of their season, has evaporated in recent weeks, but they showed signs of recovery with a high-energy display against Bournemouth. The looming semi-final could see Glasner rest some of his stars or at least manage minutes carefully, especially for players carrying knocks or at risk of suspension. The Eagles’ mid-table status in the league gives them some breathing room, but they’ll want to avoid a heavy defeat that could dent confidence ahead of their Wembley date.

Key Players

Arsenal:

• Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s main attacking outlet as he continues his impressive comeback from injury.
• Declan Rice: The midfield general, whose energy and presence will be vital in controlling the game.
• Martin Odegaard: Creative force, likely to find more space against a rotated Palace side.
• Leandro Trossard: Could play a bigger role if Arteta opts to rest other attackers.

Crystal Palace:

• Jean-Philippe Mateta: Palace’s main goal threat, but may be rested or substituted early with the FA Cup semi-final in mind.
• Ismaila Sarr: Offers pace and directness, and could be a key counterattacking outlet.
• Eberechi Eze: The creative spark, though his minutes may be managed.
• Daniel Muñoz: Provides attacking thrust from wing-back, but may also be rotated.

Prediction

With Arsenal’s title challenge all but mathematically over and Palace’s attention inevitably drifting towards their FA Cup semi-final, this fixture has the feel of a formality for the Gunners. Expect Arsenal to dominate possession and create the majority of chances, especially if Palace rotate heavily. The Gunners’ quality in depth should see them through comfortably, while Palace will be keen to avoid injuries or suspensions ahead of their Wembley showdown. A routine home win looks likely, with the visitors’ minds understandably elsewhere.

Score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are approximate and may vary. Always check the latest odds before betting.

With Arsenal playing for pride and Palace protecting legs for Wembley, expect a professional but unspectacular home win.