Arsenal vs Crystal Palace - Eze's special day

In the past, the duel between Arsenal and Crystal Palace would be characterized as the "London Derby," or the clash between the North and South of the English capital. However, as of last August, it's the "Eberechi Eze Derby."

The 27-year-old spent five years at Selhurst Park, won the Eagles' two maiden trophies, scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Man City, and gave it all for the red and blue jersey. Hence, it's no wonder there were no hard feelings between Palace's fans and the player when he decided to join Arsenal, the team he's always adored.

Still, Eze has yet to score in the Premier League for his new team, as he recorded "only" two assists in the EPL since arriving at Emirates Stadium. So, many supporters hope the clash against his ex-side could be the day the forward would get off the mark for Arsenal.

Talking about the upcoming match, Mikel Arteta expressed understanding for Eze's situation, though his expectations are high as always.

"We know that for Ebs it's going to be a very special match, with the history and what he did for Palace. There is something in the tummy (when you play against a former club)."

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"There are a lot of emotions, there are very close relationships, but the focus is on the team. And I am sure Ebs is going to be ready for that," the Spaniard said via ESPN.

The two teams head into the game in completely different moods. The Gunners top the EPL table and have a chance to record their seventh straight win in all competitions and extend their winless run to ten.

On the other hand, Oliver Glasner's team is winless in three matches after Everton broke their 19-game unbeaten run. Palace haven't beaten Arsenal since April 2022, and it's hard to expect they'll manage to triumph today either.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

Leeds - West Ham 2-1 (1-0)

/Aaronson 13, Rondon 15 - Fernandes 90/

Saturday

Chelsea - Sunderland 1-2 (1-1)

/Garnacho 4 - Isidor 22, Talbi 90+3/

Newcastle - Fulham 2-1 (1-0)

/Murphy 18, Guimaraes 90 - Lukic 56/

Manchester Utd. - Brighton 4-2 (2-0)

/Cunha 24, Casemiro 34, Mbeumo 61, 90+6 - Welbeck 74, Kostoulas 90+2/

Brentford - Liverpool 3-2 (2-1)

/Ouattara 5, Schade 45, Thiago 60 pen - Kerkez 45+5, Salah 89/

Sunday

17.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Crystal Palace (7.75)

17.00: (4.40) Aston Villa (3.50) Manchester City (1.85)

17.00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.90) Nottingham Forest (4.50)

17.00: (2.00) Wolverhampton (3.35) Burnley (4.00)

19.30: (2.40) Everton (3.35) Tottenham (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***