Predicted Arsenal XI to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Arsenal booked their seat in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory over Championship leaders Leeds United on Monday night, thanks to a solitary strike from Reiss Nelson.
The Gunners beat Man United 2-0 in the Premier League on New Year’s Day and they will once again be the favourites to come away with all three points when they make the trip across the capital of face London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Arsenal are currently placed 10th in the standings and they will be looking to continue their resurgence under Mikel Arteta against Roy Hodgson’s Eagles, who came back from two goals behind to secure a 2-2 draw at the Emirates earlier in the campaign.
Team News
Kieran Tierney (shoulder) and Calum Chambers (knee) are both ruled out for the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday while Hector Bellerin remains doubtful to feature due to a thigh injury.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Predicted XI
1. Bernd Leno (GK)
Emiliano Martinez made some key saves in the FA Cup win against Leeds United but the German international has always been the undisputed first-choice for the Gunners in the Premier League.
2. Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)
The versatile star was quite impressive against Man United last week and he should be ready to start after being rested for the FA Cup tie if Bellerin doesn’t make it to the eleven.
3. Sokratis (CB)
The Greek international featured in an unfamiliar right-back role on Monday but he is expected to return to the heart of the defence for the weekend trip to Palace.
4. David Luiz (CB)
The former Chelsea man was quite careless with his passing against Leeds United and Arsenal will need him to put in a better shift on Saturday.
5. Sead Kolasinac (LB)
The Bosnian struggled to cope with Leeds’ attackers in the FA Cup game but is expected to retain his place in the eleven in the absence of Tierney.
6. Granit Xhaka (CDM)
The Swiss star was probably lucky to have escaped a red card after some questionable challenges against Leeds and he remains a key cog in Arsenal’s midfield.
7. Lucas Torreira (CM)
The Uruguayan has been in and out of the playing eleven this season but he could get a chance to impress if Arteta opts to given Guendouzi a rest against Palace.
8. Nicolas Pepe (RW)
The Ivorian seems to be gradually finding his stride in North London and Arteta should hand him another start at the weekend after a bright display against Leeds in the FA Cup.
9. Mesut Ozil (CAM)
The German wizard has come back from the shadows to play a key role for the Gunners in recent weeks and the fans will be hoping for him to continue his resurgence under Arteta.
10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
Arsenal’s top-scorer was left out for the FA Cup game but he continues to be the team’s main goal threat up top.
11. Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman has reasonably well in the last few games and a goal against Palace on Saturday could do a world of good to his confidence.
