Arsenal are hosting Crystal Palace for their Premier League fixture at the Emirates on Saturday. Will it be another poor showing by Arsene Wenger’s men or can they finally get back to winning ways after collecting just 2 points in their last three league matches? The Gunners are coming off a disappointing loss to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium and it has severely hurt their chances of making the top four by the end of the season.
Hector Bellerin broke the deadlock with an early lead in the second half but Arsenal showed no defensive structure to hold off the Cherries from running away with the three points. Granted Wenger did not have either Mesut Ozil or Alexis Sanchez to lead the lineup from the top, but nobody expected a loss especially after an impressive display against Chelsea at the Bridge.
It seems like the entire Sanchez transfer saga has taken up a significant amount of place in the player’s mentality and this seems to be hurting the side’s confidence. With a lacklustre season so far, they need to shrug off ever distraction and come away with a dominating win in this fixture. Crystal Palace are without Andros Townsend and Wenger should take full advantage of the home support. He is expected to field his men in the 3-4-3 formation.
Wenger is expected to field his men in the 3-4-3 formation.
Defence
Petr Cech has been the leading man for Wenger in between the sticks. He should get the nod for this fixture.
The defensive back 3 is expected to be filled with Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers. Laurent Koscielny is still tending to his achilles injury and news over his return has not been released by Wenger yet.
Midfield
Hector Bellerin should see himself starting in the right wing back position with Ainsley Maitland- Niles on the left. Sead Kolasinac might make a substitute appearance to provide defensive balance if required.
Jack Wilshere has been the best player for Arsenal in recent weeks and is expected to pair up with Granit Xhaka around the centre circle. Wilshere’s injury scare against Chelsea turned out to be soft hit and he returned to the lineup against the Cherries.
Attack
Now that Sanchez’s deal with Manchester United has been confirmed Danny Welbeck expected to make a second consecutive start from the left wing. Alex Iwobi is the predicted starter from the right.
With Olivier Giroud ruled out for at least 3 weeks, Alexandre Lacazette is expected to start in the lone striker role.
Mesut Ozil’s presence is also uncertain over a knee injury concern. He is reported to be getting treated by a specialist.
