Arsenal have an excellent chance to start this year with 3 points when Crystal Palace come calling to the Emirates. Arsenal are just a point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and are hanging on to the 4th spot by a thread. The Gunners are on the back of a narrow win over West Brom as a “late Giroud goal saw them edge the Baggies in a tight encounter.
This very trait of Arsenal had made pundits tip them to have one of their better years. The wins against Burnley, Southampton and the latest being West Brom has seen them not give up on matches and slogging it out till the end.
After the reversals against Everton and Manchester City, this win was extremely vital with the top of the table getting cluttered with each passing match. Tottenham and Manchester United are knocking on the door for the last Champions League position and Wenger will have to make sure that his boys do not slip up against struggling Crystal Palace.
The Eagles had one of the worst ever years in terms of results with only 6 wins notched up by the team. They would surely want to start 2017 on a better note and with Sam Allardyce at the helm, they will look to put pressure on Arsenal with a physical approach to the game.
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Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
DEFENCE
The ever-dependable Petr Cech will be in goal and will be fairly confident of keeping Crystal Palace off the scoresheet.
In right-back, Arsenal boast of one of the best in the business and Bellerin will be looking forward to spending more time in the opposition half rather than his own. With Mustafi missing in action, it will be upon Gabriel Paulista to partner Koscielny at centre-back. While Koscielny has been imperious at the back, the same can’t be said about Paulista. The Brazilian has been criticised lately and has to pick up his performances.
With Gibbs injured, Monreal will continue at left-back.
