Preview: Crystal Palace brace yourselves devastating Arsenal are coming to Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2013

Venue: Selhurst Park

KO: 12.45

Crystal Palace begins life without former manager Ian Holloway as they welcome league leaders Arsenal to Selhurst Park who are looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points, if only for a few hours.

The Eagles on the other hand are seeking to end their losing streak of five games, languishing in 19th place and already five points away from safety.

Team News:

Crystal Palace

Caretaker manager Keith Millen has no immediate injury worries with Jonny Williams (foot), Jack Hunt (foot) and Paddy McCarthy (groin) all on the long term injury list.

Arsenal

Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini are both facing late fitness tests with foot and head injuries respectively, while long term absentees Theo Walcott (abdominal strain), Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski (hamstring) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) are all unavailable for selection.

Recent Form:

Crystal Palace have lost their last five matches, scoring just twice and conceding 13 goals in the process, with the latest defeat coming at the hands of Fulham. The Eagles will be facing a tough task to overturn their losing streak against the league leaders.

Arsenal have been in sensational form, fresh from their 4-1 win against Norwich last weekend, and will be looking to make it a fourth win in a row against the relegation battlers. The last time Arsene Wenger’s side dropped points was against West Bromwich Albion two weeks ago and the last time they lost was on the opening day to Aston Villa.

Players to Watch:

Crystal Palace - Mile Jedinak

The home side will be battering down the hatches in preparation for the match and defensive midfielder Mile Jedinak will be a key part of their efforts to keep the likes of Mesut Ozil, Ramsey and Wilshere quiet.

Averaging nine defensive actions per game, 86 per cent tackle success rate and 83 per cent success in head duels, Jedinak will be busy once more against the league leaders and if Palace are to come away with anything, the Australian will be essential.

Arsenal - Aaron Ramsey

There isn’t a more in-form player in the Premier League and once again, Ramsey’s energy and industry as well as goals will be a key part of the Arsenal game plan against Palace.

The Welshman has been in sensational form with five goals and three assists so far this campaign, backed by a superb pass accuracy rate of 86 per cent and a 85 per cent tackle success rate.

Prediction:

It’s hard to think of a more one-sided clash so far in the Premier League and with the hosts having parted ways with Ian Holloway, it is difficult to imagine them coming away with anything from the match.

Arsenal are flying at the moment and despite a Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the midweek, they will be gunning for plenty of goals and all three points against a lacklustre Palace side.

Crystal Palace 0-3 Arsenal