Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: prediction and probable lineups - May 24, 2026
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Selhurst Park in London, Crystal Palace will host Arsenal in the final, 38th round of the English Premier League. The opening whistle will sound at 17:00 Central European Time, in sync with all other fixtures on the season’s closing day.
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This London derby carries no bearing on the standings. Thanks to Manchester City's midweek slip-up (a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth), Arsenal clinched the Premier League title ahead of schedule, pulling away by an unassailable four points. For the Gunners, this match is a victory lap—a chance to celebrate their first league crown in 22 years. Crystal Palace, sitting comfortably in 15th with 45 points and long safe from relegation, also enter the match free from any pressure about the result.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner’s men are traditionally strong at home and will be eager to put on a show against the champions in front of their supporters. With nothing at stake, the Eagles can play with complete freedom.
Glasner is expected to rely on the individual brilliance of Ismaïla Sarr and the athleticism of Jørgen Strand Larsen up front. The main objective for the hosts will be to capitalize on any potential lapses in concentration from a title-winning Arsenal defense that may already be in celebration mode.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has accomplished his primary mission for the season, so the coaching staff is certain to experiment with the lineup in this final fixture. Expect to see squad players and bench options get their chance to impress. Key stars like Ødegaard, Saka, and Rice will likely either start on the bench or see limited minutes. Arsenal should stick to their familiar 4-3-3 formation, but the intensity of their pressing is expected to be well below their usual championship standards.
One player who will remain highly motivated is goalkeeper David Raya—if he keeps a clean sheet, he will set a new club record for most shutouts in a single season (he currently has 19 clean sheets).
Head-to-head this season
- 26.10.2025 (First round): Arsenal - Crystal Palace - 1:0
- 23.12.2025 (League Cup quarterfinal): Crystal Palace - Arsenal - 1:1 (penalties - 7:8)
Both meetings between these sides this season were tightly contested and hard-fought. However, those games were played under maximum competitive tension, which will be all but absent in this 38th round encounter.
Probable lineups
- Crystal Palace: Henderson - Riad, Lacroix, Canvot - Muñoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell - Sarr, Pino, Larsen
- Arsenal: Raya - Mosquera, Saliba, Magalhaes, Calafiori - Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Eze - Madueke, Martinelli, Gyökeres
What to bet on?
The shift to an exhibition-style contest drastically changes the betting landscape. As newly crowned champions, Arsenal—with a rotated lineup—are unlikely to set up their usual disciplined defensive block. The Gunners’ typically rock-solid defense, which has conceded just 26 goals all season, could be more vulnerable tonight due to personnel changes and a relaxed overall atmosphere.
Crystal Palace always look to play aggressively at Selhurst Park, and against a less motivated favorite, the Eagles are sure to get their opportunities in the final third. All signs point to an open game with chances at both ends.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes.
