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Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: Hodgson’s leaving party can end Arsenal’s European dream

Roy Hodgson’s penultimate game as Crystal Palace manager can mark the end of Arsenal’s European ambitions.

When: Wednesday, May 19, 19:00 BST

How to watch: BT Sport

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best Bets

Draw at 17/5 (Unibet)

Correct score 1-1 at 15/2 (bet365)

Wilfried Zaha to score anytime at 10/3 (Unibet)

Arsenal still have a chance to finish the season in seventh place and qualify for the newly created UEFA Conference League.

Competing in a third-tier European competition would be a major backwards step for the Gunners but it would at least keep the club in Europe.
However, before Mikel Arteta can start planning for midweek travels to Moldova, they must first give themselves a fighting chance of making the top seven.

With two games to go, Arsenal are four points adrift of seventh-placed West Ham meaning the Gunners must win their remaining fixtures and hope that their London rivals slip up.

Speaking of London clubs, Crystal Palace are Arsenal's next opponents. The Eagles will be looking to end the season on a high with Roy Hodgson set to leave.

Last Three Premier League Matches

Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace (January 14, 2021)
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw when Palace last visited the Emirates stadium.
The Gunners dominated having enjoyed 67% possession, 11 goal attempts and a total of 172 attacks.
Nevertheless, they were unable to break down a stubborn Eagles outfit.
Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal (January 11, 2020)
Another January encounter and another draw.
When Palace last hosted the Gunners, both teams had to settle for a point following an even contest at Selhurst Park.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the opener after 12 minutes to put Arsenal in a commanding position.
Palace, however, found a second-half equaliser through Jordan Ayew.
Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (November 27, 2019)
Despite making a lightning start, Arsenal ended up playing out another draw with the Eagles.

Goals from Sokratis and David Luiz gave the hosts a 2-0 lead within the opening nine minutes.

However, two goals from Luka Milivojevic and Ayew either side of the break helped Roy Hodgson's men to a point.

Last ten head-to-heads

Crystal Palace wins: 2

Draws: 5

Arsenal wins: 3

Crystal Palace goals: 15

Arsenal goals: 17

Gunners unbeaten in May

Mikel Arteta's men are currently on a three-match winning run in the Premier League. Across all competitions, the Gunners are unbeaten in four games.
With the team in good form, surely a win over Palace is nothing more than a formality? Wrong.

Arsenal beat Chelsea in their last league outing

Arsenal have struggled against the Eagles for many years now and haven't beaten their London rivals in five straight meetings.
Anything short of a victory will end Arsenal's European hopes. With high stakes on the line, will Arteta's side cope with the pressure and end their winless run against Palace?

Hodgson leaving party underway

This will be the final home game of the season for Crystal Palace. More significantly, this will be the final home game for Roy Hodgson as manager of the Eagles.

Crystal Palace boss, Roy Hodgson

The former England boss may have his critics however, no one can deny the fact that Hodgson brough stability to a club that was in dire straits under Frank de Boer.
A few thousand fans will be in attendance to wave goodbye to their outgoing manager. The players will also be keen to give the 73-year-old a happy send off at Selhurst Park.

Goalscorer bets

The main man at Palace is Wilfried Zaha having scored 11 league goals this season.
Arsenal's defence is hardly world-beating and if an opportunity presents itself, Zaha will be ready to punce.

The forward is well priced to get amongst the goals at 10/3 with Unibet.

READ MORE: Who will win the tug of war for Kane: City, United or Levy?

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