Crystal Palace will host Arsenal in an eye-catching encounter on the opening night of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
The home side has endured a fairly quiet summer transfer window following an impressive maiden campaign under new boss Patrick Vieira, but head into the new season with plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
Arsenal are braced for an exciting season after a positive summer transfer window and an even more convincing pre-season under Mikel Arteta.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Team News
Patrick Vieira has plenty of injuries to contend with ahead of his side's opening Premier League fixture, most notable being the absence of young sensation Michael Olise, who is nursing a foot injury sustained during pre-season.
James Tomkins, James McArthur and new arrival Sam Johnstone are among the other players set to miss the visit of Arsenal on Friday night. Central midfielder Cheick Doucoure could make his debut after joining the South London club from Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens.
Arsenal will line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 system this weekend with new signings Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus both in line for competitive debuts after arriving from Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Fabio Vieira is carrying a knock and will be limited to a place on the bench at best this weekend, while left-back Kieran Tierney is also a doubt for the trip to Selhurst Park. Gabriel Martinelli is expected to start in the absence of Emile Smith Rowe.
Confirmed absentees
Crystal Palace
Confirmed: James Tomkins, James McArthur, Sam Johnstone, Jack Butland
Doubtful: Michael Olise
Arsenal
Confirmed: N/A
Doubtful: Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Kieran Tierney
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Guaita; Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Mitchell; Doucoure, Eze, Schlupp; Ayew, Mateta, Zaha
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Gabriel, White, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Ødegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
Match Preview
Crystal Palace looked like a dangerous unit at times last season but injuries and inconsistency limited their impact in the Premier League. The Eagles will be a stronger force this time round should they keep the attacking quartet of Michael Olise, Ebere Eze, Wilfred Zaha and Jean-Philippe Mateta fit.
Conor Gallagher will prove a big loss for the South London club, but Patrick Vieira moved quickly to secure a replacement in RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure. Malcolm Ebiowei is also one to watch after the teenager lit up the Championship in his fledgling appearances with Derby last season.
Optimism is rife in North London heading into the 2022/23 Premier League season. It's hard to remember the last time Arsenal carried a buzz of this ilk into a season and there is good reason for the positivity. The Gunners have strengthened their squad significantly while keeping hold of key men Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
Gabriel Jesus represents a major improvement on Alex Lacazette and in Oleksandr Zinckenko, Arsenal have secured the services of one of the division's most versatile players. Fabio Vieira is a relative unknown to the Premier League audience but arrives from Sporting with glowing reviews and time on his side.
Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
Harry Smith's Tip: BTTS
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