Arsenal meet Crystal Palace in a massive London derby as both teams seek to boost their top-of-table aspirations.
Victory would see Arsenal extend their lead at the summit to at least five points if Manchester City and Bournemouth fail to win elsewhere.
Palace can climb to fourth with a win if Bournemouth fail to beat Nottingham Forest.
Team News
Gabriel is a doubt for Arsenal after he suffered a knock during their 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid in midweek.
Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus (all knee) remain sidelined.
Palace will welcome Borna Sosa back after he was suspended for their shock UEFA Conference League defeat against AEK Larnaca.
Caleb Kporha (back), Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure (both knee) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Arsenal host Palace at Emirates Stadium on Sunday 26 October at 2pm GMT, live on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have lost one of their last 12 league meetings against Palace (W6, D5, L1).
- Palace have avoided defeat in five of their last seven league visits to Arsenal (W1, D4, L2).
- Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in both of Palace’s two trips to Arsenal in all competitions last season (D1, L1).
- Arsenal have avoided defeat at home in the league this season (W3, D1), during which they scored 11 goals and conceded just one goal.
- Palace have avoided defeat in their two away London derbies so far this season (W1, D1), having drawn 0-0 at Chelsea in August then won 2-1 at West Ham in September.
Prediction
Having lacked a sharp edge when on top against Atletico in the first half, Arsenal showed their grit with all four second-half goals clinically netted when in control during the second half, underlining how more dangerous their attack is compared to previous seasons.
Palace meanwhile were simply wasteful against AEK Larnaca despite their dominance so I expect Oliver Glasner to make serious changes, because they need to be at their absolute best if want to get anything in North London and ultimately more clinical in their final touches.
I however just don’t see Arsenal losing this on current form but Palace will certainly give them a real fight.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
Result: Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
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