The final game of the Premier League season for Palace as they have the privilege of hosting newly crowned Champions Arsenal at Selhurst Park.
With the title sewn up in midweek after Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth on the South Coast, it means that there is absolutely nothing riding on this fixture whatsoever.
While Palace could jump a place with a win, or drop a place with a loss, both clubs will be thankful to be heading into a European final without having something to contest on the final day of the domestic season.
It could be a clean sweep of European trophies for English clubs after Aston Villa were triumphant in Istanbul in midweek to lift the Europa League, ahead of Palace heading to Leipzig and Arsenal travelling to Budapest.
The season has been long and draining for all concerned, but the Eagles could end up with silverware once again, and just as importantly, a place in the Europa League next season.
As the tenure of Oliver Glasner, the most successful Palace manager in history, comes to an end he is planning to mastermind quite a leaving gift for the club as we bid the Austrian a fond farewell.
More importantly, it will be interesting to see how both managers select their line ups for this match up, with both likely coming together before the game to agree no silliness and put on a show for the fans. It will be a celebration for both sets of fans with the visitors having the opportunity of lifting the league trophy, while Palace look forward to Leipzig.
The key miss for the hosts will be Chris Richards who sustained torn ankle ligaments in the game against Brentford last Sunday and is a doubt for the final.
Glasner called out in his pre-match press conference that he has not had much fun playing weakened teams at all this season as he has had to navigate a busy fixture schedule, so it is credit to him, the players and staff for getting to this point safe in the league and with a final to look forward to.
We’re on our way…….
⚽ Match Details
📍 Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
🏟 Venue: Selhurst Park
🗓 Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 16:00 BST
🔎 Match Context
This London derby wraps up the 2025/26 Premier League season, but it carries a slightly unusual feel.
- ✅ Arsenal have already been crowned Premier League champions, ending a 22‑year title drought after Manchester City dropped points midweek.
- 🦅 Crystal Palace are safe in mid‑table but have their focus on a UEFA Conference League final the following week.
Both sides therefore come into this game with one eye elsewhere, which could shape team selections and intensity levels.
📊 Recent Form
Arsenal (Champions – 1st)
- Won 4 of last 5 league matches
- Best defence in the league (approx. 0.7 goals conceded per game)
- Scored in 15 consecutive matches
👉 The Gunners are finishing the season strongly and have been highly consistent on both ends of the pitch.
Crystal Palace (15th)
- Winless in last 6 Premier League matches
- Conceded 2+ goals in 5 straight games
- Mixed results including draws vs Brentford and Everton
👉 Palace’s domestic form has dipped significantly due to their European run.
🤝 Head-to-Head
- Arsenal wins: 16
- Palace wins: 3
- Draws: 8 (last 27 meetings)
Recent results:
- Arsenal 1–0 Palace (Oct 2025)
- Arsenal 2–2 Palace (Apr 2025)
- Palace 1–5 Arsenal (Dec 2024)
👉 Arsenal clearly dominate this fixture historically and in recent years.
🚑 Team News
Crystal Palace
Out / Doubtful:
- Chris Richards (ankle) ❌
- Cheick Doucouré (knee) ❌
- Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) ❌
- Maxence Lacroix & Chadi Riad (doubts) ⚠️
👉 Defensive injuries are a big concern heading into this match.
Arsenal
Out:
- Ben White (knee) ❌
- Jurrien Timber (groin) ❌
Doubts / Rest risk:
- David Raya (minor issue) ⚠️
- Mikel Merino ⚠️
- Key players like Saka, Saliba and Rice could be rested ahead of the Champions League final.
👉 Expect rotation from Mikel Arteta.
Officials
- Referee: Farai Hallam
- Assistants: Marc Perry, Mat Wilkes
- Fourth official: Tom Nield
- VAR: Nick Hopton
- Assistant VAR: Craig Taylor
🔢 Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)
Henderson
Canvot – Lacroix – Riad
Muñoz – Wharton – Kamada – Mitchell
Sarr – Pino
Strand Larsen
Arsenal (rotated XI possible)
Kepa
Mosquera – Saliba – Calafiori – Hincapié
Nørgaard – Lewis-Skelly
Madueke – Eze – Martinelli
Gyökeres
🔑 Key Players
🔴 Arsenal
- Martin Ødegaard / Eze – creativity and control
- Gyökeres / Havertz – attacking focal point
- Declan Rice (if plays) – midfield dominance
🔵 Palace
- Dean Henderson – England stopper heading to the World Cup
- Ismaïla Sarr – pace in transition
- Adam Wharton – midfield engine
⚔️ Tactical Overview
- Arsenal: Possession-based, structured build-up, strong defensive organisation
- Palace: Counter-attacking, direct transitions, dangerous wide players
👉 Key battle:
Arsenal control vs Palace transitions
If Palace break quickly, they can cause problems – but sustained pressure likely favours Arsenal.
📈 Key Stats
- Arsenal win probability: 53%
- Palace win probability: 20%
- Arsenal away record: among the best in the league
- Palace home wins: just 4 all season
🔮 Prediction
Despite likely rotation, Arsenal’s quality and momentum should still carry them through.
Predicted score:
👉 Crystal Palace 0–1 Arsenal
✅ Summary
- Arsenal arrive as champions and favourites
- Palace are distracted by a European final
- Strong head-to-head and form both favour the Gunners
- Rotation could make it closer, but Arsenal’s control should prevail
