Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Match Preview: Selhurst Park under the lights on a Friday night

Arsenal's had the perfect pre-season, five wins from five. 24 goals. Four conceded. No new players injured and plenty to get excited about. But Crystal Palace and Arsenal is always tricky.

Patrick Vieira's team took 14 points off the 'big six' last season, including beating Arsenal 3-0 at Selhurst Parkin convincing fashion and drawing 2-2 at The Emirates. Palace only suffered defeat in four Premier League home games last season. Only Chelsea (3), Man City (2) and Liverpool (0) lost fewer games at home.

After missing out on a top-four finish on the final day of last season and with the memory of the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford a year ago, Arsenal do look like a different team based on their pre-season performance especially with the signing of Gabriel Jesus.

It is very likely Mikel Arteta will maintain consistency with his line-up so it's predicted that the same team will start that played against Sevilla. Ben White and Zincheknko, the full-backs, Saliba alongside Gabriel at centre-back. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in Arsenal's double pivot. Odegaard right behind the striker, and a front three of Martinelli, Jesus, and Saka.

There is renewed optimism around the Gunners' camp as they have signed five players over the summer costing over £100 million. Arteta and co hope that Gabriel Jesus opens his scoring tally during this game.

Let's have a look at the Eagles. Palace finished 12th in the Premier League last term with some impressive performances under Vieira beating the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

Palace have bolstered their squad by signing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and winger Malcolm Ebiowei, both arriving on free transfers, while midfielder Cheick Doucoure signed from Lens and central defender Chris Richards from Bayern Munich.

Crystal Palace’s pre-season has been strong with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, but the loss of Conor Gallagher is where there will be an adaptation period. Viera might have to change a couple of things which means Palace are the tactically less prepared side for the clash.

Viera looks happy with Eberechi Eze and believes he'll be as good as Conor.

Emile Smith Rowe is currently absent with a groin issue, and he won’t be involved for Arsenal’s trip to face Crystal Palace on Friday.

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