Arsenal host Crystal Palace looking to gather momentum after their win against Vitoria Guimaraes. They will also aim to correct their previous Premier League performance and defeat to Sheffield United. The Eagles will be searching for only their fourth win away to Arsenal in their history.
Arsenal Host Crystal Palace Looking To Gather Momentum
Arsenal Team News
Three games in six days means Unai Emery could rotate his squad for the clash with Crystal Palace. They came back against Vitoria de Guimaraes in the UEFA Europa League to win 3-2. Nicolas Pepe scored two important goals.
Nonetheless, changes could be rung after their defeat to Sheffield United. Alexandre Lacazette was dropped to the bench at Bramall Lane, but at home, Arsenal could return to two upfront. He started the match in the Europa League but did not get on the scoresheet. Furthermore, Dani Ceballos could return to the lineup to add more experience and creative flair in midfield.
Crystal Palace Team News
Roy Hodgson is in the midst of a selection headache, and their trip to The Emirates will also bring a tactical headache to.
Their last away trip to North London saw Christian Benteke cause problems for the Arsenal defence time and time again during their 3-2 victory. As a result, does the Crystal Palace manager select the Belgian international, despite being low on confidence?
Elsewhere on the pitch, Roy Hodgson caught many fans by surprise by substituting captain Luka Milivojevic. The midfielder returned to the lineup last week following his suspension for the game away to West Ham; however, he put in a below bar performance, a repeated tale so far this season. Will Hodgson dare to drop his captain? Unlikely, but it would certainly signal a statement of intent if he did.
Furthermore, it remains to be seen as to whether Vicente Guiata will return in goal for Palace. The Spaniard missed the fixture with Manchester City, it is unknown as of yet as to when he will return.
Replay Of The Game In April, Or Roles Reversal?
The last time these two sides met was in April at The Emirates, and the Eagles came away with three points. Arsenal had played the Thursday before in the Europa League, and the same will happen again this time around. Could a repeat follow? Or will Arsenal come up trumps this time?
Upon their return to Arsenal, Palace should look to employ the same tactics as their last visit to the red side of North London. Roy Hodgson deployed a near-perfect counter-attacking game plan, and the pace of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend continually threatened the Arsenal defence.
Arsenal v Crystal Palace Prediction
The home side need an early goal to settle their nerves. However, the longer the game is dragged out by Palace, then they can certainly take three points.
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace
Main Photo
