Sky Sports pundit, Paul Merson, predicts Arsenal to drop points against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
General view of Selhurst Park
Sky Sports pundit, Paul Merson, predicts Crystal Palace to earn a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park on Monday night in the Premier League.
Arsenal are heading into this tie on the back of a moral-boosting 3-0 win over London rivals West Ham in the midweek. It was their first win in four Premier League games, and all they need now is to build on a winning run from here.
The Gunners are desperate to close the gap with other top four rivals, and have no other options but to go for a win.
Crystal Palace are just three points above the drop zone and Sam Allardyce cannot afford to drop further points from here on.
They lost 3-1 against Southampton in their last match, but the Eagles are on a good run here, having won their previous four games.
Merson predicts that the game could be a thriller where both sides will be needing a victory and a draw will not be an ideal result, especially for Arsenal. He predicts a 2-2 draw.
“This could be a thriller. I don’t think Arsenal’s defence will be able to cope with Palace’s attack, and vice versa,” Merson told Sky Sports. Both sides will want to win because a draw isn’t ideal for either team.”
“Sam Allardyce will know how to cause Arsenal problems and I think it will end up being a draw. If results go against them this weekend then it looks like the top four will be done.”
For Arsenal, it is a massive game and should they drop points here, they may have to bid goodbye to their top four for this season.
The Gunners have lost their last three away matches in the Premier League, and another upset could be on the cards here.
What is your prediction for Crystal Palace vs Arsenal?
Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal in action with Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
