Arsenal will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League as they play hosts to Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Gunners are coming on the back of an incredible comeback win over Vitoria Guimaraes in the Europa League, which should give them the confidence they need to topple the Eagles this weekend.
A win could potentially help Arsenal return to the top four, though Palace are also pushing for a top 4 position themselves. And here, we take a look at how the hosts may line up in this crucial encounter on Sunday.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Unai Emery is expected to shuffle his backline once again following a strenuous midweek fixture. Bernd Leno will replace Emiliano Martinez in goal, especially after the Argentine produced a disappointing display against Vitoria.
Hector Bellerin may return to the bench, meaning he is still yet to be a part of the ‘A’ team, having returned to full fitness last month. However, we feel that Emery would trust him to make the right-back spot his own. Kieran Tierney will make way for Sead Kolasinac on the opposite flank. The Scot is still yet to make his Premier League debut.
Both Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding struggled in midweek, finally putting an end to their excellent run of form. It only strengthened David Luiz and Sokratis’ position as the first-choice centre-backs for Arsenal. Both will return to the starting lineup this weekend.
Midfield
Matteo Guendouzi featured as a substitute in midweek but will be reinstated in Arsenal’s double-pivot against Crystal Palace. The young Frenchman will be partnered by Granit Xhaka, who was rested against Vitoria. It will be interesting to see how these two plan to cope with the dynamic midfield trio of Palace.
Mesut Ozil will likely be ignored once again by Emery. Instead, Dani Ceballos will return to the side, having made a huge impact in the second-half against Vitoria. He will operate as the false number ten.
Attack
The Arsenal attack, this time, will be led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese international will replace Alexandre Lacazette in the number nine slot.
Nicolas Pepe, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter on the right flank after starring in midweek’s win over Vitoria Guimaraes. He will be looking for his first goal from open play for his new club. As for Bukayo Saka, it won’t be surprising to see the youngster get the nod ahead, on the opposite flank, especially with Reiss Nelson unavailable.
