Looking to build on a solid first season under Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace begin their campaign at home to Arsenal. The Eagles were 3-0 winners in this fixture last term and have bolstered their squad over the summer with the signings of Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure and Sam Johnstone.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are in line to make their Arsenal debuts at Selhurst Park after the pair signed from Manchester City.
Double Chance: Crystal Palace or Draw
Arsenal have just two wins in their last six trips to Crystal Palace. Vieira’s side lost only four times at home last season, with only Manchester City and Liverpool conceding fewer goals across their 19 home fixtures.
Palace were a better team than their league position suggested, and only the top five teams posted a better expected goal difference.
It is a surprise to see the home team at this price to avoid defeat on Friday night – there’s definite value here.
Anytime Goalscorer: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to lead the line with Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha on the flanks.
Mateta finished last season with five goals in just 13 league starts, including scoring the opener when Palace beat Arsenal in April.
The former Mainz striker got plenty of chances in relatively limited minutes in 2021-22. Arsenal will understandably be focused on keeping Wilfried Zaha quiet, which could open up further space.
Marteta hasn’t got a long track record of prolific scoring, but he still averages just under a goal per 180 minutes.
Player To Be Shown A Card: Cheick Doucoure
Set to make his Premier League debut at the base of Palace’s midfield three, Cheick Doucoure is the best bet to be shown a card on Friday.
Doucoure was cautioned 15 times across the last two seasons with Lens. Dealing with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli behind Jesus, the Malian could be forced into tactical fouls to stop Arsenal counters and will have to defend one-on-one at times.
Adjusting to the Premier League against a talented attack like Arsenal’s is tailormade for Doucoure end up in the referee’s notebook.
This is a very good price, providing he gets the start.
All odds are subject to change