Arsenal will face Crystal Palace tonight for the curtain-raiser to the 2022/23 Premier League season, to be played at Palace’s Selhurst Park. Mikel Arteta’s team would be wary of Patrick Vieira’s ambitious bunch who, under him, are a well-drilled outfit, filled with flair yet are organized and disciplined. They beat Arsenal 3-0 in the same fixture last season and would be vying to repeat the trick.
Yet, there could be quiet optimism for Arsenal, who have made their own progress. The club have added to last year’s rebuild with several new signings. Among them are Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, bought from Manchester City, and they are expected to be in the starting lineup. Another player expected to make the 11 is William Saliba. Arsenal replaced the injured Takehiro Tomiyasu with Ben White at right-back against Chelsea in pre-season and may repeat the switch against Palace.
Arsenal Predicted Starting Lineup
Super Mik 😁 https://t.co/KWvnDY40Hs pic.twitter.com/sMux8qPMSt
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 4, 2022
How Arsenal Have Lined Up Recently
Arsenal played a 4-3-3 against Chelsea with Aaron Ramsdale the keeper of choice. White, Saliba, Gabriel and Zinchenko made the four at the back. Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Ødegaard played in the midfield with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli playing up front.
Arsenal also tried a 3-5-2 in the thrashing of Sevilla with the same personnel. This meant Aaron Ramsdale kept his place as the goalkeeper. White, Saliba and Gabriel played the three at the back, with Saka and Zinchenko as wing-backs. Arteta kept the same midfield of Partey, Xhaka and Ødegaard and played both Martinelli and Jesus up front.
Team Injuries to Consider
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu, the new signing Fabio Viera and Kieran Tierney are likely to be available for selection. Emile Smith Rowe remains sidelined for the Gunners.
Predicted Arsenal Starting Lineup
Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Martin Ødegaard; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli
Current Odds: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
The current odds on Sky Bet are a win for Crystal Palace at 18/5, a draw at 13/5 and a win for Arsenal at 3/4.
