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23 Apr 2025, Wed

Martinelli to play today? Where to watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace in a clash that could seal Liverpool’s Premier League title

Gabriel martinelli - Foto: Instagram


The Premier League 2024/25 season reaches a defining moment this Wednesday, April 23, as Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace in the 34th round of the competition. Kicking off at 4 PM (Brasília time) at the Emirates Stadium in London, this match carries the weight of potentially deciding the English championship. A loss for the Gunners could hand the title to Liverpool, the current table leaders, without the Reds even stepping onto the pitch. With just four rounds remaining after this clash, the pressure is squarely on Mikel Arteta’s squad, which still clings to hopes of lifting the trophy.

Arsenal, sitting in second place with 66 points, faces a daunting challenge. The 13-point gap to Liverpool, who boast 79 points, makes a victory against Crystal Palace non-negotiable. Should the Gunners stumble, the deficit would remain insurmountable, with only 12 points left to play for in the final rounds. For Arsenal fans, this game is more than just another fixture—it’s a make-or-break moment to keep their title dreams alive or watch arch-rivals Liverpool celebrate early.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, occupies 12th place with 44 points and has little left to fight for. Safely clear of relegation and out of contention for European qualification, the London side approaches the match with the freedom of a team that has already met its seasonal goals. Yet, the local rivalry and the chance to derail Arsenal’s ambitions promise a fiercely contested battle at the Emirates.

Context of the title race

The 2024/25 Premier League season has been characterized by a gripping battle at the top, with Liverpool emerging as the frontrunner for the title. Under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, the Reds have built a formidable campaign, securing 24 wins, seven draws, and just two losses so far. Their commanding lead reflects a blend of clinical attacking play and a well-drilled defense.

Arsenal, despite holding second place, has struggled with inconsistency at times. Mikel Arteta’s side has recorded 19 wins, nine draws, and five losses, a solid performance but not enough to keep pace with Liverpool’s relentless form. The Gunners’ hopes now hinge on winning their remaining games and banking on unlikely slip-ups from the leaders—a scenario that starts with beating Crystal Palace.

This Wednesday’s clash also carries symbolic weight. Arsenal, whose last Premier League triumph came in the 2003/04 season, sees the current campaign as a chance to end a 21-year drought. Fans will pack the Emirates Stadium, hoping to see their team keep the title race alive, but they face a Crystal Palace side that, despite lacking major objectives, has the potential to play spoiler.

  • Key points of the matchup:
    • Arsenal must win to maintain mathematical title hopes.
    • Crystal Palace plays without pressure but aims for a derby upset.
    • Liverpool could clinch the title without playing if Arsenal lose.
    • The match is broadcast live on ESPN 4 and Disney+ at 4 PM.

Recent history between Arsenal and Crystal Palace

The London derby between Arsenal and Crystal Palace has often produced tightly contested encounters with unpredictable outcomes. In their last five Premier League meetings, Arsenal holds the edge with three wins, one draw, and one loss. Last season, the Gunners dominated both fixtures, securing a 5-0 rout at home and a 1-0 victory away. However, Crystal Palace has shown it can upset the odds, as evidenced by their 3-0 triumph in the 2021/22 season, which dented Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations.

Arsenal will lean on their strong home form as a key advantage. The Emirates Stadium has been a fortress this season, with the Gunners winning 11 of their 16 home games. The passionate home crowd is expected to create an electric atmosphere, pushing the team toward a crucial victory.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has been less convincing on the road. Of their 16 away matches this season, they’ve won four, drawn six, and lost six. Still, manager Oliver Glasner’s side will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Arsenal, who have conceded in three of their last five games, using the speed of their attacking players to capitalize on counterattacks.

Key players and tactical approaches

Arsenal’s lineup blends youthful dynamism with seasoned expertise. Stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus are central to Mikel Arteta’s possession-based, high-pressing system. Saka, the team’s top scorer with 12 goals this season, will be the focal point of Arsenal’s attack. The defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães will also be vital in shutting down Crystal Palace’s offensive threats.

Crystal Palace, in contrast, will rely on a reactive approach, looking to hit Arsenal on the break. Eberechi Eze, a creative force in midfield, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has eight goals this season, are the key figures in Glasner’s setup. The Eagles are likely to employ compact defending to stifle Arsenal’s fluidity, aiming to strike through swift transitions.

Both teams have prepared meticulously for the occasion. Arsenal’s recent training sessions have focused on maintaining focus and intensity, with Arteta demanding full commitment from his players. Crystal Palace, unburdened by high stakes, has worked on boosting team morale, emphasizing the chance to make a statement in a high-profile derby.

Implications for the final stretch

A victory for Arsenal would keep the title race alive, though overcoming a 13-point deficit remains a tall order. With four games left against Manchester United, Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Everton, the Gunners face a challenging run-in that demands near-perfection. Even with a win against Crystal Palace, Arsenal would need Liverpool to drop points in their remaining fixtures to have any chance of lifting the trophy.

A draw or defeat at the Emirates, however, would all but confirm Liverpool as champions. The Reds, with matches against Wolverhampton, Leicester, Newcastle, and West Ham ahead, would retain a comfortable cushion even if they falter. The prospect of clinching the title without playing adds an extra layer of drama to Wednesday’s showdown.

For Crystal Palace, the result won’t significantly alter their mid-table standing. Yet, a win or draw against their local rivals would be a source of pride for fans and a morale boost for the squad. Such a result could provide momentum for their final games, even if their season lacks major stakes.

  • Factors that could decide the match:
    • Bukayo Saka’s attacking output for Arsenal.
    • Crystal Palace’s ability to exploit counterattacking opportunities.
    • Arsenal’s defensive resilience against Palace’s forwards.
    • The impact of the Emirates Stadium crowd.

Arsenal’s likely starting line-up is: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Kiwior and Zinchenko; Rice, Merino and Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli and Trossard.

Palace’s likely starting line-up is: Henderson; Muñoz, Lacroix, Guéhi and Richards; Mitchell, Wharton and Hughes; Eze, Sarr and Mateta.

Broadcast and fan anticipation

The Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace clash will be broadcast live on ESPN 4 (cable TV) and Disney+ (streaming) starting at 4 PM (Brasília time). The coverage will feature in-depth analysis and real-time commentary, highlighting the game’s significance in the title race. For fans unable to attend, these platforms offer a front-row seat to every moment of the high-stakes encounter.

Social media is abuzz with anticipation. Arsenal supporters are cautiously optimistic but wary of a slip that could gift Liverpool the title. Crystal Palace fans, meanwhile, see the match as a chance to steal the spotlight in a season where their team has little left to achieve. The local rivalry fuels heated online debates, with tactical breakdowns and banter dominating discussions.

The Emirates Stadium is set for a charged atmosphere, with tickets sold out and fans planning choreographed displays and chants. While the mood will be festive, the tension of a game that could shape Arsenal’s season will be palpable from the opening whistle.

Premier League’s final rounds

With just five rounds left for most teams, the 2024/25 Premier League season is hurtling toward its climax. Beyond the title race, several storylines are unfolding. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle are locked in a battle for Champions League spots, while Tottenham and Manchester United vie for Europa League qualification. At the bottom, Wolverhampton, Leicester, and Ipswich are fighting to avoid relegation, making every match a high-stakes affair.

The Arsenal-Crystal Palace matchup, while pivotal for the title, also underscores the Premier League’s unrelenting competitiveness. The ability of mid-table sides like Palace to challenge top clubs like Arsenal is part of what makes the English top flight one of the world’s most captivating leagues.

For Arsenal, Wednesday’s game is a defining moment. A win keeps their faint title hopes flickering, while a loss could mark the end of their championship aspirations after a 21-year wait. The ball rolls at 4 PM, and the football world will be watching.

  • Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures:
    • Manchester United (away) – April 27
    • Tottenham (home) – May 4
    • Bournemouth (away) – May 11
    • Everton (home) – May 18

The Premier League 2024/25 season reaches a defining moment this Wednesday, April 23, as Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace in the 34th round of the competition. Kicking off at 4 PM (Brasília time) at the Emirates Stadium in London, this match carries the weight of potentially deciding the English championship. A loss for the Gunners could hand the title to Liverpool, the current table leaders, without the Reds even stepping onto the pitch. With just four rounds remaining after this clash, the pressure is squarely on Mikel Arteta’s squad, which still clings to hopes of lifting the trophy.

Arsenal, sitting in second place with 66 points, faces a daunting challenge. The 13-point gap to Liverpool, who boast 79 points, makes a victory against Crystal Palace non-negotiable. Should the Gunners stumble, the deficit would remain insurmountable, with only 12 points left to play for in the final rounds. For Arsenal fans, this game is more than just another fixture—it’s a make-or-break moment to keep their title dreams alive or watch arch-rivals Liverpool celebrate early.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, occupies 12th place with 44 points and has little left to fight for. Safely clear of relegation and out of contention for European qualification, the London side approaches the match with the freedom of a team that has already met its seasonal goals. Yet, the local rivalry and the chance to derail Arsenal’s ambitions promise a fiercely contested battle at the Emirates.

Context of the title race

The 2024/25 Premier League season has been characterized by a gripping battle at the top, with Liverpool emerging as the frontrunner for the title. Under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, the Reds have built a formidable campaign, securing 24 wins, seven draws, and just two losses so far. Their commanding lead reflects a blend of clinical attacking play and a well-drilled defense.

Arsenal, despite holding second place, has struggled with inconsistency at times. Mikel Arteta’s side has recorded 19 wins, nine draws, and five losses, a solid performance but not enough to keep pace with Liverpool’s relentless form. The Gunners’ hopes now hinge on winning their remaining games and banking on unlikely slip-ups from the leaders—a scenario that starts with beating Crystal Palace.

This Wednesday’s clash also carries symbolic weight. Arsenal, whose last Premier League triumph came in the 2003/04 season, sees the current campaign as a chance to end a 21-year drought. Fans will pack the Emirates Stadium, hoping to see their team keep the title race alive, but they face a Crystal Palace side that, despite lacking major objectives, has the potential to play spoiler.

  • Key points of the matchup:
    • Arsenal must win to maintain mathematical title hopes.
    • Crystal Palace plays without pressure but aims for a derby upset.
    • Liverpool could clinch the title without playing if Arsenal lose.
    • The match is broadcast live on ESPN 4 and Disney+ at 4 PM.

Recent history between Arsenal and Crystal Palace

The London derby between Arsenal and Crystal Palace has often produced tightly contested encounters with unpredictable outcomes. In their last five Premier League meetings, Arsenal holds the edge with three wins, one draw, and one loss. Last season, the Gunners dominated both fixtures, securing a 5-0 rout at home and a 1-0 victory away. However, Crystal Palace has shown it can upset the odds, as evidenced by their 3-0 triumph in the 2021/22 season, which dented Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations.

Arsenal will lean on their strong home form as a key advantage. The Emirates Stadium has been a fortress this season, with the Gunners winning 11 of their 16 home games. The passionate home crowd is expected to create an electric atmosphere, pushing the team toward a crucial victory.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has been less convincing on the road. Of their 16 away matches this season, they’ve won four, drawn six, and lost six. Still, manager Oliver Glasner’s side will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Arsenal, who have conceded in three of their last five games, using the speed of their attacking players to capitalize on counterattacks.

Key players and tactical approaches

Arsenal’s lineup blends youthful dynamism with seasoned expertise. Stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus are central to Mikel Arteta’s possession-based, high-pressing system. Saka, the team’s top scorer with 12 goals this season, will be the focal point of Arsenal’s attack. The defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães will also be vital in shutting down Crystal Palace’s offensive threats.

Crystal Palace, in contrast, will rely on a reactive approach, looking to hit Arsenal on the break. Eberechi Eze, a creative force in midfield, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has eight goals this season, are the key figures in Glasner’s setup. The Eagles are likely to employ compact defending to stifle Arsenal’s fluidity, aiming to strike through swift transitions.

Both teams have prepared meticulously for the occasion. Arsenal’s recent training sessions have focused on maintaining focus and intensity, with Arteta demanding full commitment from his players. Crystal Palace, unburdened by high stakes, has worked on boosting team morale, emphasizing the chance to make a statement in a high-profile derby.

Implications for the final stretch

A victory for Arsenal would keep the title race alive, though overcoming a 13-point deficit remains a tall order. With four games left against Manchester United, Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Everton, the Gunners face a challenging run-in that demands near-perfection. Even with a win against Crystal Palace, Arsenal would need Liverpool to drop points in their remaining fixtures to have any chance of lifting the trophy.

A draw or defeat at the Emirates, however, would all but confirm Liverpool as champions. The Reds, with matches against Wolverhampton, Leicester, Newcastle, and West Ham ahead, would retain a comfortable cushion even if they falter. The prospect of clinching the title without playing adds an extra layer of drama to Wednesday’s showdown.

For Crystal Palace, the result won’t significantly alter their mid-table standing. Yet, a win or draw against their local rivals would be a source of pride for fans and a morale boost for the squad. Such a result could provide momentum for their final games, even if their season lacks major stakes.

  • Factors that could decide the match:
    • Bukayo Saka’s attacking output for Arsenal.
    • Crystal Palace’s ability to exploit counterattacking opportunities.
    • Arsenal’s defensive resilience against Palace’s forwards.
    • The impact of the Emirates Stadium crowd.

Arsenal’s likely starting line-up is: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Kiwior and Zinchenko; Rice, Merino and Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli and Trossard.

Palace’s likely starting line-up is: Henderson; Muñoz, Lacroix, Guéhi and Richards; Mitchell, Wharton and Hughes; Eze, Sarr and Mateta.

Broadcast and fan anticipation

The Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace clash will be broadcast live on ESPN 4 (cable TV) and Disney+ (streaming) starting at 4 PM (Brasília time). The coverage will feature in-depth analysis and real-time commentary, highlighting the game’s significance in the title race. For fans unable to attend, these platforms offer a front-row seat to every moment of the high-stakes encounter.

Social media is abuzz with anticipation. Arsenal supporters are cautiously optimistic but wary of a slip that could gift Liverpool the title. Crystal Palace fans, meanwhile, see the match as a chance to steal the spotlight in a season where their team has little left to achieve. The local rivalry fuels heated online debates, with tactical breakdowns and banter dominating discussions.

The Emirates Stadium is set for a charged atmosphere, with tickets sold out and fans planning choreographed displays and chants. While the mood will be festive, the tension of a game that could shape Arsenal’s season will be palpable from the opening whistle.

Premier League’s final rounds

With just five rounds left for most teams, the 2024/25 Premier League season is hurtling toward its climax. Beyond the title race, several storylines are unfolding. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle are locked in a battle for Champions League spots, while Tottenham and Manchester United vie for Europa League qualification. At the bottom, Wolverhampton, Leicester, and Ipswich are fighting to avoid relegation, making every match a high-stakes affair.

The Arsenal-Crystal Palace matchup, while pivotal for the title, also underscores the Premier League’s unrelenting competitiveness. The ability of mid-table sides like Palace to challenge top clubs like Arsenal is part of what makes the English top flight one of the world’s most captivating leagues.

For Arsenal, Wednesday’s game is a defining moment. A win keeps their faint title hopes flickering, while a loss could mark the end of their championship aspirations after a 21-year wait. The ball rolls at 4 PM, and the football world will be watching.

  • Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures:
    • Manchester United (away) – April 27
    • Tottenham (home) – May 4
    • Bournemouth (away) – May 11
    • Everton (home) – May 18

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