With the race for the top 4 heating up with both Manchester City and Liverpool notching up wins in the weekend, Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace becomes a virtual must win. Here at The 4th Official, we take a look at the team Arsene Wenger can select going into such a crucial match.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Line-Up to Face Big Sam’s Revived Crystal Palace
Defence
Emiliano Martinez should continue to take his place under the bar after his assuring display against the Hammers, in the absence of Petr Cech and David Ospina.
The Argentine international has managed to keep four clean sheets in seven appearances for the Gunners in all competitions. And if Ospina is heading out at the end of the season as is widely claimed, his South American teammate could take his place without a glitch.
Nacho Monreal is expected to start on the left back’s role. The Spanish international looked at his best in the midweek fixture against West Ham and Wenger should continue to put his trust on the old general. Hector Bellerin should start on the opposite flank. The young full-back seems to have gained some confidence following a harrowing month for the North-London club.
Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel Paulista should take their position in the central defence. With skipper Laurent Koscielny out for the next few weeks, the Brazilian has stepped up to the occasion rightly. He looked solid and composed against the likes of Andy Carroll, Robert Snodgrass and Michail Antonio keeping them at bay throughout the 90 minutes. In Mustafi, Arsenal have a centre-half who can go forward at will courtesy his sublime dribbling skills.
Midfield
The central midfielders are likely to be Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka. The duo proved too good for West Ham last time, and the gaffer would expect them to thread passes with equal creativity against a livid Crystal Palace side.
While the midfielders bring flair and chances from the deep midfield, the defensive contribution could be a concern for Wenger that is ideally brought in with the likes of Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The number 10 position is expected to be occupied by Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker was back to his silky best in the last game after a nightmarish few weeks. He bagged a goal and registered an assist.
Attack
Arsenal looked lethal with the trio of Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott as the attacking three and there is no reason Arsene Wenger would change it. Although Welbeck wasted chances last game, the England international’s pace on the ball and exquisite finishing should tick him before Olivier Giroud as the centre-forward.
It was a pity that Alexis Sanchez didn’t get a goal in the last game. The Chilean did what he does best, terrorised defence. And he will only notch up his game as the season approaches the finishing line. The right-flank should feature Theo Walcott. The Arsenal faithful has been at his clinical best so far.
