Arsenal vs Crystal Palace preview, team news, how to watch, line-ups and prediction

Arsenal get back to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime looking to address a poor run of form that threatens to derail their season.

The Gunners looked to be putting together another serious title challenge after pushing Manchester City all the way last campaign. Mikel Arteta’s men impressed during the first half of the season and sat top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day for the second consecutive year.

However, they relinquished top spot to Liverpool following a surprise defeat to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on December 27th. Despite creating over 30 shots on goal and dominating throughout, Arsenal slumped to a shock 2-0 loss to the Hammers. Arteta was adamant it was just ‘one of those games’ and insisted the club would put things right against Fulham on New Year’s Eve.

Arsenal took an early lead at Craven Cottage but allowed Fulham back in the game and produced one of their worst performances of the season. The Cottagers came from behind to win 2-1 and even Arteta admitted after the game his players deserved nothing from the game. The back-to-back league defeats have left Arsenal sitting down in fourth place – level with Tottenham with a game in hand. Leaders Liverpool hold a five points lead so Arsenal cannot afford another slip up at home to Palace tomorrow.

To compound matters, the Gunners also crashed out of the FA Cup following a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out. Arsenal were totally dominant for the first forty-five minutes and should have been 3-0 up. But wasteful finishing cost them once again, and Liverpool grabbed two late goals to book their place in the fourth round.

Arsenal flew out to Dubai for a warm weather training camp during their winter break. Arteta will be hoping his players feel rejuvenated and are ready to get their campaign back on track with a win over Palace at the Emirates this weekend.

However, the Gunners shouldn’t underestimate their London rivals as Crystal Palace are more than capable of causing an upset. Roy Hodgson has navigated a tricky period and Palace now sit 14th in the table after beating Brentford 3-1 last time out in the league.

They did crash out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Everton in their 3rd round replay in midweek, so Palace will be looking to bounce back with a positive result against Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime.

How to watch

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace kicks off at the Emirates Stadium at 12:30pm on Saturday January 20th. The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, so subscribers can follow all the action on their TV or by streaming via the TNT Sports app on tablet or mobile devices.

For match going fans, this game is already a sell out but supporters can still buy Arsenal tickets through reputable reselling sites.

Team news

The winter break has given Arsenal the opportunity to work on the fitness of several players and Arteta will be hoping to have a few back and available for selection this weekend.

Thomas Partey has endured another injury plagued campaign as he’s been restricted to a handful of league appearances this season. The midfielder was left out of the Ghana squad for the AFCON due to a niggling thigh injury. However, Partey has been working on his fitness while in Dubai and is edging closer to making his comeback. He has a chance of being named on the bench tomorrow but may have to wait for the trip to Nottingham Forest to make his first team comeback.

Gabriel Jesus missed Arsenal defeat to Liverpool two weeks ago due to a minor knee injury. The Brazilian has been training with the squad in Dubai and the club are hopeful he’ll be available to face Palace this weekend.

Fabio Vieira is another player who could be back in contention. The Portuguese international underwent groin surgery in November but has returned to full training and could be back on the bench tomorrow.

However, Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to miss out once again this weekend. The defender has been struggling with a calf injury in recent weeks and while he’s been taking part in training sessions, the Palace game is likely to come too soon.

Jurrien Timber is making excellent progress in his recovery from ACL surgery. The Dutchman was back doing ball work in Dubai but he’s still a number of weeks away from returning to action. Takehiro Tomiyasu is unavailable as he’s away at the Asian Cup while Mo Elneny is at the AFCON.

As for Palace, they’re set to be without Cheick Doucoure as the midfielder is struggling with a calf injury while Jesurun Rak-Sakyi also remains on the sidelines. Rob Holding won’t have the opportunity to face his former club as he’s out with an ankle problem while Joel Ward is also out.

Michael Olise is set to miss the trip to the Emirates due to a hamstring injury while Jordan Ayew is away at the AFCON.

Possible line-ups

Arteta is expected to recall David Raya in goal after handing Aaron Ramsdale a start in the FA Cup. If Zinchenko misses out, then Arteta will have little option than to stick with the same back four that’s started the past two games. That means Jacub Kiwior keeps his place at left-back with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White making up the back four.

Declan Rice will obviously keep his place in midfield and Martin Odegaard should captain Arsenal once again. Kai Havertz started up front against Liverpool but he may drop back into midfield – although Emile Smith Rowe is pushing for a recall.

If Jesus is passed fit, he’s expected to come in to lead the line up front with Bukayo Saka keeping his place on the right flank. Gabriel Martinelli should be recalled to start on the left wing after being benched last time out. Reiss Nelson will make way while Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah will have to settle for place among the substitutes.

Likely Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus

Likely Palace XI: Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Eze, Richards, Lerma, Schlupp; Edouard, Mateta

Prediction

Arsenal are under real pressure to put their blip behind them and make a statement with a comfortable win over Palace this weekend. If they drop points and Liverpool beat Bournemouth on Sunday, they’ll be facing an uphill battle to get themselves back in the title race, so this really is a must-win game for them.

Palace are no mugs and have the potential to make this a tough game for the Gunners. However, Olise will be a huge miss for them and we think Arsenal will prove too strong tomorrow. Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace