Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners jetted off to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp over the winter break in what should be an ideal time for Mikel Arteta’s squad to reset themselves ahead of the second half of the campaign. They desperately need to regroup and recharge their batteries having won just one of their last seven games in all competitions.
Back-to-back Premier League losses to West Ham United and Fulham respectively have seen Arteta’s side fall to fifth in the table, whilst being dumped out of the FA Cup third round by Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in what was their last game before the winter break. So, the North Londoners will be raring to win against Crystal Palace and get their season back on track.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal should be boosted by the return of Gabriel Jesus this weekend, with the Brazilian training in Dubai after overcoming a “minor” knee issue that forced him to miss the FA Cup tie against Liverpool.
However, Arteta could once again be without Oleksandr Zinchenko for Crystal Palace’s visit. The Ukrainian left-back remains a doubt despite working hard on his recovery out in Dubai. And it is not expected that any of Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira or Jurrien Timber will be available for the upcoming Premier League fixture.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale impressed against Liverpool in the FA Cup, however in all likelihood, David Raya will come back into the Arsenal lineup for the visit of Crystal Palace.
Defence
Jakub Kiwior has started the last two games, with Arsenal light on left-back options due to Takehiro Tomiyasu being at the Asian Cup with Japan and Oleksandr Zinchenko injured.
He is expected to start his third game in a row on Saturday, while Ben White retains his spot at right-back in the Arsenal lineup.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will continue their strong partnership in central defence, hoping to protect goalkeeper Raya adequately.
Midfield
Declan Rice will hold the fort in the middle of the park and looks set to dictate terms from the No.6 role in the Arsenal lineup. He could be joined by Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in the engine room.
With Rice protecting the defence, Odegaard and Havertz will get the license to push forward and unlock the Crystal Palace defence with their passing range, vision and movement. Jorginho is likely to drop to the bench after starting the FA Cup tie against Liverpool.
Attack
As far as the attack is concerned, there are high chances of Gabriel Jesus leading the line against the Eagles. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected operate on the right and left wing respectively in the Arsenal lineup, trying to provide quality service to Jesus in the box.
Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Reece Nelson will be vying for minutes off the bench.