Arsenal are looking to rebound from their disappointing loss away to Sheffield United on Monday. They were able to comeback to win against Vitoria Guimaraes, but the Premier League is the true test. They dropped to fifth after their result on Monday, but another loss could see them tumble further down the table.
Crystal Palace have had a fantastic start to the season, accumulating 16 points from nine matches. Their last two losses have come against top six teams, so this will be a test for them. They’ll look to end this run against the top six and leapfrog Arsenal in the table with a win.
Team News
Arsenal’s only injury to worry about is Reiss Nelson. The winger will miss out while he recovers from a knee injury, according to PremierInjuries.com.
Palace have a few more fitness issues. Connor Wickham and Mamadou Sahko will be absent, while Vicente Guaita and Martin Kelly will undergo late fitness tests, according to PremierInjuries.com.
Key Players
Arsenal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal’s season has been dictated by Aubameyang’s success. He has scored more than half of the Gunners league goals and been held scoreless in their two losses. He is the team’s best player and that is apparent game in game out. Palace have only scored eight goals this season, so two should be enough for Arsenal to outscore them. Aubameyang being on form will hopefully be able to finish a chance or two and lead his team to victory.
Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha
Zaha has struggled to start the season, but has given Arsenal fits in the past. He scored a crucial goal in the two sides last meeting and drawing a penalty in the previous one. The Gunners have a lot of uncertainty with their fullbacks right now and the Ivorian will look to take advantage of that with his dribbling ability. Zaha will look to turn his season around against an opponent he knows how to take advantage of.
Prediction
Arsenal’s poor results this season have come away from home. Returning to the Emirates should help them get back on track and secure a victory.
Prediction: 2-1 Arsenal
