Following a much needed 3-0 win over West Ham, Arsene Wenger’s side visit Selhurst Park in search of maximum points to push valiantly for a top four spot.
Ahead of the game, Wenger was yet again quizzed about his future, something he has constantly been pushing to one side. He again refused to reveal his decision and instead was keen to talk about the match at hand.
Sam Allardyce’s side currently sit three points above the drop zone, and at this time of the season, sides such as them desperately need wins in order to stay up. A 3-1 away loss to Southampton last time out put an end to their four-game winning streak and did little in their quest for survival, which now sees them staring down the barrel of relegation.
Seeing as the game takes place on a Monday evening, Arsenal have a chance to look closely at the games involving teams around Arsenal. Neither of the likes of Hull, Stoke or Sunderland managed to do Arsenal any favours (not that I was expecting them to do so anyway), so this game becomes that much more important.
The last time the sides met, Arsenal earned a convincing 2-0 win which included a magnificent scorpion kick by Olivier Giroud.
Since Palace’s return to the Premier League in 2013, they have never beaten Arsenal in seven attempts, with the only draw coming last season. Could Allardyce’s side inflict a first victory over Wenger’s side?
Predicted line-up: Martinez, Bellerin, Gabriel, Mustafi, Monreal, Walcott, Elneny, Xhaka, Alexis, Ozil, Welbeck
Petr Cech, and David Ospina miss out through injury, so Martinez once again deputises in goal with Matt Macey returning from his loan at Luton Town as a precaution.
Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Kelly, Sahko, Schlupp, Milivojevic, Ledley, Zaha, Puncheon, Townsend, Zaha
James McArthur, Loic Remy and James Tomkins are all doubtful for this match but could play some part from the bench if they’re passed as fit but Patrick van Aanholt and Yohan Cabaye will definitely miss out due to knee and calf injuries respectively.
Ese Agboaye
