Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Match Preview: Premier League Round 38

Match Context

Selhurst Park in London hosts Crystal Palace vs Arsenal on 24 May 2026, with the Premier League campaign reaching Round 38 of the regular season. Crystal Palace arrive 15th on 45 points, while Arsenal top the table in 1st place with 82 points.

Crystal Palace Availability

Crystal Palace face several confirmed absences. Cheick Doucoure (Knee Injury) is sidelined. Eddie Nketiah (Thigh Injury) is sidelined. Chris Richards (Ankle Injury) is sidelined. All three are listed as Missing Fixture rather than doubtful, so Oliver Glasner will need to adjust both his midfield balance and defensive depth. Key attacker Jean-Philippe Mateta, the club’s leading league scorer with 11 goals, is available and expected to spearhead the attack.

Arsenal Availability

Arsenal also have defensive concerns. Jurrien Timber (Ankle Injury) is sidelined. Ben White (Knee Injury) is sidelined, removing a versatile option across the back line. In attack, however, Mikel Arteta retains his main threats: Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal’s top scorer with 14 league goals, is available, as are creative leaders Leandro Trossard, Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, all prominent in the league’s assist charts.

Impact Summary

Crystal Palace lose depth rather than core attacking output, with Mateta still available to carry their 40-goal league tally. Arsenal’s absentees are concentrated in defense, but their frontline remains intact, preserving the bulk of a 69-goal attacking return and leaving their title-chasing firepower largely unaffected.