* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
It’s been 6,365 days since Patrick Vieira lifted the Premier League trophy over his head at Highbury after the conclusion of an invincible season for the Gunners. A lot has changed at Arsenal in the intervening 17 years and Vieira is one of the few who left Arsenal who will receive a warm reception upon his return tonight in the Crystal Palace dugout.
WHEN: Monday, October 18: 8pm
TV: Sky Sports Premier League
Vieira has had an okay start to life at Selhurst Park, despite having just one win – a couple of credible draws and some better Palace performances, have settled him in nicely. Palace have a good record at Arsenal in recent years and are unbeaten in their last three visits to the Emirates Stadium. But after Arsenal’s slow start to the season they are starting to get a bit of consistency into their play and I think the price of an Arsenal win is very fair. I’ve added a few other selections for a nice looking 15/1 bet-builder for this Monday Night Football London derby.
NEW TO PADDY POWER?
* A Bet Builder of these best bets pays at approximately 16/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Arsenal to win
Arsenal come into this game steadying the ship after a terrible start to the season. They may have been lucky to escape with a point against Brighton but they’ve won their last two at the Emirates and have a much more solid look about their team. Gabriel and Ben White have started their last four league games at centre-back and they’ve conceded just one goal – a deflected consolation goal against Tottenham.
Arsenal have been crying out for some consistency at the back in recent years, and although early days, this could be the beginning of a long-term defensive partnership. If Arsenal are to be taken seriously for a top 6 push this season, these are the games they simply must win. There seems to be a bit of belief building around the Emirates that the tide is about to turn and I expect them to get across the line in a hard-fought win tonight.
Under 3.5 goals
The Gunners have been struggling in front of goal this season – only Norwich have scored fewer league goals than Arsenal’s five this season. Whilst focusing on tightening up at the back, that may have had an adverse effect on their goalscoring exploits. With just four goal scorers this season – and three of those scoring in the one game, Mikel Arteta will be looking for more from his attacking players – but I think once again their main focus tonight will be to keep it tight at the back and nick a goal after breaking down a resolute Palace defence.
Crystal Palace themselves have been wasteful in front of goal this season with Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew missing big chances. Summer signing Odsonne Edouard is their most clinical finisher at the moment, and Palace fans will be hoping he’s in the side from the start.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score anytime
He may not be the same player we watched for years at Dortmund and when he first game to Arsenal, but when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in form you always feel will score. He’s started to get into a grove of late, scoring in his last two at The Emirates and for Gabon over the international break.
With none of the other Arsenal attackers contributing much in terms of scoring so far this season, if Arsenal score you can’t back against Aubameyang being the one to get on the scoresheet.
Thomas Partey to have 1 or more shots on target
Thomas Partey is second only to Aubameyang in terms of shots per 90 minutes for Arsenal this season. He is never afraid to let fly from outside the area and is a nice price to hit the target. He did so against Tottenham in Arsenal’s last home game and he also scored in both of Ghana’s World Cup Qualifiers over the international break, so he has found his goalscoring touch.
Especially at home I feel Partey will have shots from distance as the Palace defence look to frustrate Arsenal, and the crowd will be urging Partey to shoot when he picks up the ball outside the area.
Arsenal v Crystal Palace tips
Arsenal to win
Under 3.5 goals
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score anytime
Thomas Partey to have 1 or more shots on target
* A Bet Builder of these best bets pays at approximately 16/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
NOT SURE WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT? CLICK HERE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT WHAT A BET BUILDER IS
FREE BET IF 1 LEG LETS YOU DOWN
If one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder fails to land, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Free Bet If 1 Leg Lets You Down per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
Football tips tonight
The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right nowThe Paddy Power Guide To Responsible Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
