Alan Shearer and Paul Merson have given their predictions for the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, with the Gunners tipped to beat the Eagles.
Mikel Arteta's side welcome Palace to Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what is likely to be a tough test for the home side. While Arsenal currently sit top of the table, the south Londoners have only lost once in the league this campaign and have already beaten Liverpool.
Arsenal thumped Atletico Madrid 4-0 on Tuesday while Palace lost 1-0 to AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park on Thursday. How the two sides react to playing midweek will be interesting, although the Gunners having had an extra 48 hours rest could prove to be crucial, according to Shearer.
Speaking to Betfair, the former Newcastle man said: "Palace played on Thursday night, in Europe, so with Arsenal playing their game on Tuesday that's a big factor as well. Even as good a team as Palace are, as good a forward Mateta is, just looking at Arsenal in midweek and the way they can shift it around with two or three players - they'll have too much for Palace.
"The extra days' rest is massive going into such a big game, and it's an away game. I know they don't have to travel and it's in London, but you'd be amazed at how the atmosphere at home can pull you and drag you through. Prediction - Arsenal win."
Merson agrees with Shearer and feels Arsenal will have too much for their London rivals. In his Sportskeeda column, Merson said: "I don't think Crystal Palace can play like they did against Bournemouth in this game. People are talking about Jean-Philippe Mateta missing that chance in the end and how close they were to winning, but that goal would have never stood because there was a clear foul in the build-up. Palace deserve credit for getting back into that game though.
"Arsenal are so efficient and they have quality players. I'd be shocked if they don't win the league from here. Arsenal steamrolled Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Who does that to Diego Simeone's team? Atletico were 2-0 down against Liverpool and drew 2-2 before eventually losing 3-2. When they went 2-0 down to Arsenal, it felt like game over already.
"Arsenal are mind-blowing at the back and they have some nice fixtures coming up. In fact, Arsenal don't play Manchester City or Liverpool until the New Year. The title race could be all over by then!
"Declan Rice affects the game more than any other midfielder playing the no.8 role in the Premier League. As an all-round package who contributes at both ends of the pitch, I don't see anyone better than him. Enzo Fernandez is good when he goes forward with the ball, but he can't do what Rice does in defence, no way.
"Palace did well to go unbeaten in 19 games and now they are without in win in their last two. I don't think they will get a result at the Emirates this weekend. Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace."
