Premier League 22-23 Opening Day: Crystal Palace hosts Arsenal in intriguing London Derby
It is fitting that the 2022-23 Premier League season will kick off in South London with Patrick Vieira taking charge of his team against Arsenal.
The long-time Gunners' midfielder is going to try to throw a wrench in the works right from the opening kickoff of the new campaign, with so many Arsenal fans thinking this could be the season the club makes its long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League.
To make it worse, in the last couple years, Arsenal has had to watch Chelsea win the Champions League (2021) and Tottenham blow past the Gunners to finish fourth in the table (2022), for another year in the Europa League. It could be worse, though: at least Arsenal is playing in Europe this season.
Former Premier League striker Sergio Aguero, Arsenal might be able to get up into a title fight.
"As always, I believe that the Premier League will show this season that it is beginning to be one of the most competitive leagues in the world" Aguero told Stake.com. And in this sense, my candidates are Manchester City, which I think can repeat, Liverpool, Chelsea and I add Arsenal, which has strengthened very well and has had great games in the pre-season.
"Everything will be very even, as it has been happening, but we will have to be attentive to Arsenal's performance, which has put together a great project with the help of Arteta and I think that this year they will give people something to talk about."
Brad Friedel also spoke at length this week about the start of the Premier League Friday, and wants to see Matt Turner push Aaron Ramsdale for top spot with the Gunners.
"On a personal level, I'd love to see Matt Turner play ahead of Aaron Ramsdale," Friedel told Boyle Sports. "He is a tremendous shot stopper.
But others are not sold on the Gunners, and with the turmoil surrounding Thomas Partey, this could be a turbulent campaign.
Can Vieira pull off a first day upset, and turn the league on its head right out of the gate?
It might be possible.
This Palace side has some attacking threats in the lineup, and beat Arsenal 3-0 in April. But some players are missing as well, so it could be advantage Gunners.
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ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE
Crystal Palace (+335) v Arsenal (-125), draw (+275); O 2.5 (-105), U 2.5 (-115), 3 p.m. EDT (USA and Fubo.TV)
GAME PLAY:
Arsenal ML (-125)
PROP PLAYS:
Arsenal over 1.5 goals (-110)
Gabriel Jesus to score yes (+170)
Odsonne Edouard to score yes (+320)