Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners sit at the summit of the English top flight after eight matches, conceding just three goals in the process.
Mikel Arteta’s side eased past Fulham in their last league fixture and will be keen on securing another serene three points this weekend against Palace.
The Eagles have been flying high in the league, although Oliver Glasner’s side did suffer a disappointing Europa Conference League defeat on Thursday night, and will have had 48 fewer hours than Arsenal to rest and prepare for Sunday’s clash.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Crystal Palace
Martin Odegaard will once again be unavailable for Arsenal as he continues his recovery from an MCL injury.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke remain sidelined with various fitness issues. The rest of Arteta’s squad should be fit and available to feature against the South Londoners.
The Spanish manager will likely revert to Riccardo Calafiori at left-back after the Italian was rested in midweek against Atletico Madrid.
The rest of the Gunners’ defence picks itself, with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes essentially nailed-on starters.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi will once again accompany each other in midfield, while Arteta has a decision to make ahead of them.
Eberechi Eze wasn’t at his best against Atletico, and the attacking midfielder could find it difficult to perform on such an emotional occasion on Sunday, against the club that guided him to the top level.
Ethan Nwaneri is an option, although Arteta will likely stick with Eze to try and elicit a better performance from him.
Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres are almost guaranteed to start due to a lack of other options, while Arteta will have to pick between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
Both wingers scored this week, although the tactician may revert to the Belgian, who will be more well rested.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Crystal Palace: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Crystal Palace team news ahead of Arsenal clash
Palace have a relatively injury-free squad, although Glasner’s side may suffer from fatigue against Arsenal after playing a full-strength team against AEK Larnaca on Thursday.
Cheick Doucoure remains a long-term absentee after sustaining an ACL injury in January. Meanwhile, Chadi Riad is also out with a knee injury, and isn’t expected to feature for the Eagles until late November.
19-year-old wing-back Caleb Kporha is the only other player in Glasner’s squad who is likely to miss the game against Arsenal. The youngster currently can’t train as he’s suffering from a lower back issue.
The South London club will be desperate to bounce back and return to winning ways after three games without a victory.
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