Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 24.05.2026
One of the fixtures of Premier League matchday 38 takes place this Sunday at Selhurst Park in London, where Crystal Palace will host Arsenal. The EPL season wraps up with a capital derby: the hosts already have one eye on the upcoming Conference League final, while the visitors arrive as the newly crowned champions of England. Here’s my pick for the outcome of this clash.
Match preview
Crystal Palace head into the final stretch of the league with little left to play for, and that’s reflected in their recent results. Oliver Glasner’s side haven’t tasted victory in the Premier League since beating Newcastle on April 12, and in the run-in, their focus has clearly shifted toward the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.
The Eagles’ main issue has been a crumbling defense: in their last five league outings, they’ve conceded at least twice in every game. Palace shipped three goals each to Liverpool, Bournemouth, and Manchester City, and drew 2-2 with both Brentford and Everton - hardly a match for Glasner’s pragmatic style.
Arsenal arrive at the derby with a special status: Mikel Arteta’s team are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years. After their defeat to Manchester City, the Gunners had no margin for error and navigated the decisive stretch with steely composure - even if some wins, including a gritty battle with West Ham, were earned through character rather than flair.
Still, Arteta is likely to have more than just celebrations on his mind, with the Champions League final against PSG looming. Expect some rotation in the lineup: Raya, Rice, Saka, Havertz, and Trossard could be rested, but even Arsenal’s second string looks far more organized and deeper than Palace’s experimental side.
Probable lineups
- Crystal Palace: Benítez, Lacroix, Riad, Kanwo, Sosa, Hughes, Lerma, Muñoz, Johnson, Sarr, Strand-Larsen.
- Arsenal: Arrizabalaga, Saliba, Gabriel, Mosquera, Hincapié, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Madueke, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Jesus.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Crystal Palace and have won seven of them.
- Both teams have scored in four of the last five head-to-head clashes.
- Crystal Palace have won just four home games in this Premier League campaign, while they have picked up seven victories on the road.
- Arsenal have not taken more than five corners in six of their last eight league matches away at Crystal Palace.
- At least two yellow cards have been shown in each of the last eight league encounters between these sides at Selhurst Park.
Prediction
This derby feels like a clash between two teams whose minds are already on their next big challenge: Palace are preparing for the Conference League final, Arsenal are savoring their title and looking ahead to the Champions League final. Yet, even with rotation on both sides, the gulf in class, squad depth, and tactical cohesion remains considerable. Palace have been far too generous at the back lately, and such lapses usually prove costly against Arsenal. The Gunners may not be at their sparkling best, but their structure and impressive record in London derbies make them the logical pick to come out on top.
