After a barren run of results, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were back to winning ways earlier this week when they beat West Ham United at the Emirates. The Gunners are still in the fifth place, four points off Manchester City and though they have a game in hand, they cannot afford to drop any more point till the end of the season.
They however, face another London derby, this time against Sam Allardyce’s Crystal Palace, who are fresh from a loss to Southampton. The Eagles have been in decent form and are sure to make it tough for the Gunners but Wenger will hope that his side can cope with the challenges and come out victorious. Here is the predicted lineup that Arsenal might field for this tie:
Team News:
Santi Cazorla and Chuba Akpom remain sidelined for the Gunners for this tie. Goal keeper Petr Cech is not expected to be back for this tie while defender Laurent Koscielny is also ruled out for this game. David Ospina has also picked up a niggle and will only take the bench if he is fit. Midfielder Francis Coquelin is expected to be back in action after missing out in the game against West Ham.
Probable Arsenal Playing XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Arsene Wenger
GK – Emiliano Martinez
With Cech and Ospina out of action, Martinez, who held a clean sheet against West Ham should start this game for Arsenal.
RB – Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard had a decent game against the Hammers but has been out of form recently. He will hope to have a comfortable game this weekend.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi
The German defender is now the senior centre-back for Arsenal in the absence of Koscielny and he should put in a strong performance against the likes of Benteke in this game.
CB – Gabriel Paulista
With Koscielny out, Wenger has preferred Gabriel over Rob Holding and Per Mertesacker and he should partner Mustafi yet again.
LB – Nacho Monreal
The first choice left-back for Arsenal, Monreal will have a tough time against a Palace side that has been in decent form off late.
CM – Francis Coquelin
Was missing from the squad in the previous game but is back to full fitness and should start this game in the midfield for the Gunners.
CM – Mohamed Elneny
A decent performance against West Ham, where he helped his side to a victory should see Wenger stick with Elneny over Xhaka to partner Coquelin in the midfield.
RW – Theo Walcott
The English winger has not been at his best but was on the scoresheet against West Ham and he will hope to have a similar game this weekend.
CAM – Mesut Ozil
The German playmaker showed glimpses of form earlier this week and Arsenal will need him to be at his best to take anything from this game.
LW – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean has been pushed into a more natural wide position recently and Wenger should play him there against the Eagles.
ST – Olivier Giroud
Having scored coming on from the bench, Giroud deserves to start for Arsenal and should replace Welbeck in the starting XI for this tie.