Arsenal will have to put behind their disappointing performance from Monday night when they face off against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday. The Gunners came behind from twice to win their Europa League fixture against Vitoria, thanks to a brace from Nicolas Pepe.
Unai Emery’s side will come against a Palace side that are flying in the league, who are just one point behind the North London club in the Premier League table. The last time these two sides faced at the Emirates, the Eagles won the game 3-2.
Let’s take a look at the side that Emery may put out against Crystal Palace on Sunday:
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper
Bernd Leno did not start the Europa League game, with deputy Emiliano Martínez starting in his place. Leno should return to the Arsenal starting lineup against Palace.
Defence
Arsenal’s defence continues to be weary and lacks any sort of leadership or stability. The Gunners backline, which sported a new look on Thursday, was no better than the one that faced Sheffield United on Monday.
David Luiz and Sokratis should return to the Arsenal lineup, after Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding’s poor performance mid-week.
Both full-backs, Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney, were not at their best on Thursday night as they step up their fitness after a long while out due to injury. It would be a surprise if Tierney starts, but Bellerin could get a start at right-back.
Sead Kolasinac should start at left-back who will have a tough time against Palace’s star man Wilfred Zaha.
Midfield
Lucas Torreira and Joe Willock started in midfield against Vitoria, but the duo could be replaced by captain Granit Xhaka and Mattéo Guendouzi for the game against Palace. Mesut Ozil may not feature once again for the Gunners against Palace. Dani Ceballos could start in the No. 10 role for Arsenal on Sunday.
Attack
Alexandre Lacazette played 75 minutes and got his first start in a long time after his return from injury. We could maybe see him start on the left, with Thursday’s star Nicolas Pépé starting on the right for Arsenal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start as Arsenal’s striker for the game.
This lineup isn’t possible, Lacazette is never played wide on the left, he’s a striker and Aubameyang is moved to the wing when Laca plays.