Arsenal will come up against Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon. London derbies are always tough, but this is a good opportunity to extend the gap at the top of the table to 8 points, with City not playing. With 3 hours until kick off, let’s take a look at how Mikel Arteta could lineup in this one.
Arsenal predicted lineup – TWO changes to the defence
William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu both went off injured in the game against Sporting so I’m doubtful either of them will start.
Instead, Aaron Ramsdale will be protected by a centre back pairing of Gabriel and Rob Holding. The former has been in immense form lately, with Holding having a good game against Sporting when he came on.
At right back will be the reliable Ben White. He’ll hope to be given space to run into the final third, as this is where he’s most productive.
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It’s pointless giving him a position but at left-back it’ll be, you guessed it, Alex Zinchenko. There was a slight concern after he picked up a knock against Sporting, but he’s been given the all clear.
Arsenal predicted lineup – TWO changes to the midfield
More for rotation than injury, but there’ll be two changes to the midfield. Granit Xhaka will retain his place as he’s been exceptional over the last two matches.
Then, Thomas Partey will take back his place in the starting lineup. The impact he had on the game against Sporting was phenomenal. So too was the impact of Martin Odegaard, who will also start in this match.
Arsenal predicted lineup – TWO changes to the attack
Gabriel Martinelli needs a rest. He played exceptionally well and was unfortunate to miss the decisive penalty, but he did play an entire 120 minutes of football on Thursday.
Instead, Leandro Trossard will take his place, fresh from providing a hat-trick of assists last week. The biggest surprise will be Gabriel Jesus starting his first Premier League match of the calendar year and not so surprising will be Bukayo Saka’s inclusion on the right-hand side of attack.
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What’s your score prediction for Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
