Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal FC 8/5/22 - Premier League Picks & Predictions

Crystal Palace hosts Arsenal on Friday in the opening match of the English Premier League for both clubs. Patrick Vieira led Crystal Palace defeated Arsenal just months ago 3-0 in this London Derby. Last season Crystal Palace took four out of a possible six points in two matchups with Arsenal. Crystal Palace posted a 2-2 draw on the road last season before taking all three at home 3-0 in April.

Crystal Palace finished 12th last season at 11-15-12 on 48 points with a goal difference of +4. Crystal Palace lost Conor Gallagher but have added Malcolm Ebiowei and Cheick Doucoure. The Eagles defeated both Queens Park Rangers and Montpellier HSC in their final friendly's before the start of the regular season. The only losses during the exhibition season were toManchester United and Liverpool.

Arsenal returned to play in the Europa League which was a big uplift for the club but late in the season they were knocked out of the final spot of the Champions League by Tottenham. However, during preseason Arsenal played very well defeating Chelsea 4-0 and won by six goals over Sevilla in the Emirates Cup.

Off-season acquisition Gabriel Jesus had a hat-trick against Sevilla. The former Manchester City player joins Oleksandr Zinchenko as the top two offseason acquisitions for the Gunners. Last season Arsenal finished a disappointing fifth at 22-3-13 on 69 points with a goal difference of +13. The Gunners finished two points behind fourth place Tottenham and had to settle for a spot in the Europa League.