After a barren run of results, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were back to winning ways earlier this week when they beat West Ham United at the Emirates. The Gunners are still in the fifth place, four points off Manchester City and though they have a game in hand, they cannot afford to drop any more point till the end of the season.
Arsenal season so far has been series of barren run of results, but they were back to their winning ways earlier this week when they beat West Ham United at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger’s side are still in the fifth place, four points off till the end of the season.
The Gunners however, set to face another challenge in their London derby when they take on Crystal Palace, who are fresh from a loss to Southampton. San Allardyce’s Crystal Palace have been in decent run and are sure to make it tough for Arsenal but when Wenger will hope his side can cope with the challenges and come out victorious. Here is a predicted lineup that the Gunners might field for this London derby:
Team News:
As far as their squad news is concerned, Santi Cazorla and Petr Cech remain sideline for Arsenal for this tie. The Gunners number 1 goalkeeper is not expected to be set for this tie while defender Laurent Koscielny is also ruled out for this game. Second-choice David Ospina has also picked up a niggle and will only take the bench if he is fit. Midfielder Francis Coquelin is expected to be back in action after missing out in the game against West Ham.
Probable Arsenal Playing XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Arsene Wenger
GK – Emiliano Martinez
With the Gunners number one choice goalkeeper and Ospina out of action, Martinez, who held a clean sheet against West Ham United should start this game for the Gunners.
RB – Hector Bellerin
The Spanish international had a decent game against Slaven Bilic’s side but has been out of form recently. Bellerin will hope to have a comfortable game on Monday for Arsenal.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi
The German World Cup winner is now Arsenal’s senior centre-back in the absence of Laurent Koscielny and he should put in a strong performance against the likes of Benteke in this game.
CB – Gabriel Paulista
With the French international out, Wenger has preferred to start Gabriel over Rob Holding and Per Mertesacker and the Brazilian should partner Mustafi yet again in the defence.
LB – Nacho Monreal
The first choice left-back for Arsene Wenger, Monreal will have a tough time against stubborn Crystal Palace side that has been in decent form off late.
CM – Francis Coquelin
Coquelin was missing from the Gunners squad that faced West Ham but is back to full fitness and should start this game for Arsenal in the midfield.
CM – Mohamed Elneny
A decent performance against West Ham, where he helped his side to a victory should see Wenger stick with Elneny over Xhaka to partner Coquelin in the midfield.
RW – Theo Walcott
The England winger has not been at this best both for national side and for Arsenal but was able to find the net against the Hammers and he will hope to be at his best against the Palace on Monday.
CAM – Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil has been showing lapses in form recently and Arsenal will need the German playmaker to be at his best when they face the Eagles.
LW – Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez has been playing in a more natural wide position for the North London club recent and the boss should play him in same position when they take on the Eagles on Monday.
ST – Olivier Giroud
Having scored coming on from the bench, Olivier Giroud should start for the Gunners and should replace England international Danny Welbeck in the starting XI for this fixture.
Here is how they would line up: