Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Sunday Showdown Packed with Odds and Title Stakes

When Arsenal Football Club host Crystal Palace Football Club at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 26 October 2025, the Premier League’s Week 9 fixture turns into a London derby that could reshape the table.

Kick‑off is set for 2:00 PM BST, with Sky Sports Premier League slated to broadcast the action live. The Gunners arrive on a six‑match winning streak, while the Eagles sit mid‑table after a mixed run of results. Betting markets already crown Arsenal heavy favorites, but the numbers on the board tell a richer story.

Recent Form: Gunners on a Roll, Eagles Seeking Consistency

Arsenal’s record of 6‑1‑1 places them second in league scoring (1.88 goals per game) and first in defence (0.38 goals conceded per match). Their most recent league victory came on 22 October, a 1‑0 win at Craven Cottage where Leandro Trossard struck in the 58th minute.

Just three days earlier, Arsenal thrashed Club Atlético de Madrid 4‑0 in the Champions League, a performance that underscored their attacking depth.

Crystal Palace, by contrast, entered the weekend with a 3‑4‑1 tally. Their most recent Premier League outing was a 3‑3 thriller at Selhurst Park against AFC Bournemouth, highlighted by a hat‑trick from Jean‑Philippe Mateta. Yet a 1‑0 loss to AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League on 23 October left a sour note.

Key Players to Watch

Arsenal’s leading scorer this season is Viktor Gyökeres with three goals, while Bukayo Saka and Jurriën Timber each add two. Mid‑fielder Declan Rice leads the assist chart with two, making him a dual threat.

For Palace, Mateta’s five‑goal haul makes him the obvious focal point. His physical presence inside the box could test Arsenal’s backline, especially against a defense that has allowed less than half a goal per game. Supporting him are winger Ismaila Sarr, who has three goals, and attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, the man who scored the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final against Arsenal.

Betting Odds and Market Sentiment

Bookmakers are leaning heavily on the Gunners. PickDawgz.com lists Arsenal at –235 on the moneyline, while Palace sits at +650. The over/under is set at 2.5 goals. SportsGambler.com pushes an Asian Handicap of –1.25 for Arsenal at –116, essentially betting on a two‑goal margin with a safety net if Arsenal wins by just one.

Racing Post adds further nuance, offering a 4‑11 favorite line for Arsenal and a 13‑2 underdog price for Palace. Their "both teams to score" market sits at 9‑4, reflecting a modest chance that Palace might find the net.

One tipster summed it up: "Arsenal’s defence is airtight, but Palace has a knack for surprise goals. Expect a clean sheet or a single‑goal concession at most."

Historical Head‑to‑Head Context

Over the last ten meetings, Arsenal have won seven, drawn two, and lost once. The most recent clash in March 2025 ended 3‑0 to Arsenal, reinforcing the narrative of Gunners dominance on home soil.

Oliver Glasner, Palace’s manager, remarked after the Bournemouth draw, "We respect Arsenal’s quality, but we also know that in a derby anything can happen. Our focus is on a compact shape and quick transitions."

What the Result Means for the Title Race

If Arsenal secure a win, they will sit within striking distance of the league leaders, sharpening their challenge for a top‑four finish. A clean‑sheet victory would also cement their status as the league’s best defensive side.

For Crystal Palace, a positive result – even a draw – could act as a springboard back into the European‑qualification mix. A win would be monumental, potentially propelling them into the top‑six and widening the points gap with rivals like West Ham and Newcastle.

• Arsenal’s defensive record: 0.38 goals conceded per game.
• Palace’s scoring rate: 1.50 goals per game.
• Current league position: Arsenal 3rd, Palace 11th.
• Head‑to‑head last 10: Arsenal 7‑2‑1.

Predictions and Suggested Bets

Most analysts, including Football Whispers, forecast a 2‑0 victory for Arsenal, citing the Gunners’ recent clean sheets and Palace’s defensive lapses against Bournemouth. Betting options that align with this view include:

1. Arsenal to win and both teams to score – 9‑4.
2. Exact score 2‑0 – odds around 7‑2.
3. First goalscorer: Jean‑Philippe Mateta – longshot at 10‑1, offering high upside.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the match provides plenty of angles to watch – from Gyökeres’ finishing to Glasner’s tactical tweaks.