Arsenal travel to Selhurst Park in a difficult first away match of the season against Crystal Palace on Monday night with both teams arriving in good spirits after opening day wins. Last Word on Football looks into the Arsenal’s predicted lineup as Arteta must resolve the injury crisis at left back.
Expect Return for Gabriel: Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Crystal Palace
Forced Changes in Defence
Despite the arrival of David Raya from Brentford, it is likely Arsenal will continue with Aaron Ramsdale in goal after a strong showing on the opening weekend.
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With the long term injury of new signing Jurrien Timber ruling him out for the majority of the season, and the unsuccessful gamble of using Thomas Partey as an inverted right back against Nottingham Forest, expect changes across the back four. Gabriel, who was on the bench for the season opener, looks set to return to partner Saliba at centre back with Ben White likely pushing back to his usual right back position.
The absentees of Timber and Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko will give a fringe player the opportunity to impress. With Kieron Tierney out of favour and looking to force a move away from the Emirates do not be surprised to see Arteta opt for Jakub Kiwior who excellently deputised for Zinchenko towards the end of last season.
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Consistency Crucial to Attacking Fluididty
Despite looking flat in midfield at times, Arteta is likely to operate with the same midfield three as against Nottingham Forest with Declan Rice, Martin Odergaard and Kai Havertz. Havertz may well count himself lucky if he is favoured after a lacklustre performance on his Premier League debut for the Gunners and with fans favourite Emile Smith Rowe eyeing his spot.
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The front three of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli is also likely to remain the same although Arsenal fans can expect to see more of Leandro Trossard this season in the Premier League who will no doubt feature off the bench. The match at Selhurst Park will also come too soon for star striker Gabriel Jesus who remains sidelined.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
Arsenal started strongly in their 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in their opening match. However, defences frailties were exposed later in the game with the Gunners having a nervy finish to what should have been a comfortable victory.
Arteta’s gamble to use Partey as an inverted fullback meant Arsenal were assured in possession but he was targeted by the opposition in the second half and the tactical shift put Arsenal under a lot of pressure, especially down their right hand side.
Arteta is likely to revert to the tried and tested with White at right back and Gabriel and Saliba at centre half. Crystal Palace are a dangerous counter-attacking side with express pace and therefore Partey at right back could be a costly error.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Despite it only being game week two, Arteta is having to deal with injuries in multiple positions. There is no hiding from how much of a blow losing Timber is to Arsenal at such an early stage in the season. the Dutch international had started in both the Community Shield and the opening Premier League fixture. In the best case scenario, he will be looking at a return date of the final few games of the season.
On a more positive note, Zinchenko is very close to returning from a serious calf injury which has ruled him out since May. The Ukrainian may well get his first minutes on his journey to full fitness but even with no obvious available left backs, Arteta will not want to rush him into the starting team.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Odergaard, Havertz, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Current Odds: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
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Home win 9/2, draw 3/1, away win 3/5
Photo credit: Mark Hillary on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
