Arsenal will face Crystal Palace in the mid-week clash in Premier League here on Thursday. The Gunners are slowly raising up in the table in terms of position. Mikel Arteta’s side is now currently at 11th place in the Premier League table.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are just behind Arsenal with a point difference between them. Arsenal are trying to bounce back and come out of their poor start to the league campaign. The Spaniard is sorting out things at Emirates with the ongoing January transfer window.
Analysis
Arsenal will be keen to grab the fourth win in a row, which last happened for them back in October 2018. Under-pressure manager Mikel Arteta managed a win on boxing day fixture against fellow Londoners Chelsea. Since then, the Gunners have been doing well in the league.
However, Crystal Palace are also on the same track as Arsenal with 22 points from their seventeen games. Palace very well knows how to frustrate their opponents, though, having gone four without defeat against them in the Premier League – the Gunners’ longest ever winless run in this fixture.
When and Where?
Arsenal will host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League fixture on January 15th (01:30 AM IST).
Team News and Expected Line-up
Arsenal
Arteta might revert back to the main eleven after making a number of changes for the FA Cup tie against Newcastle United. Gunners’ big summer signing Thomas Partey is yet to feature for his new club since December. Former Atletico Madrid star might start Thursday clash from the bench.
Attacker Emile Smith Rowe will feature after shining bright with the senior team alongside Lacazette. While, Gabriel Martinelli will be missing this fixture due to an ankle injury, which he picked up against Newcastle last weekend.
Expected Line-up: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson has a lot to worry about the absentees on his side. Crystal Palace will miss eight players for the game against Arsenal including players like Mamadou Sakho and Martin Kelly.
With Scott Dann and Gary Cahill out, Cheikhou Kouyate might make a shift-back to centre-back role. Luka Milivojevic will be key for the Eagles and will be available at Emirates despite breaching COVID-19 protocols.
Expected Line-up: Guaita; Ward, Kouyate, Tomkins, Van Aanholt; Townsend, Milivojevic, McArthur, Eze; Zaha, Benteke
Head to Head stats: Arsenal vs Palace
Crystal Palace doesn’t need to worry much as per their recent head-to-head record against Arsenal. Palace are unbeaten in their last four meetings against Gunners. The last Arsenal defeated the Eagles was in the 2018 Premier League clash. Crystal Palace famously won 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium to all but end Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League during the 2018-19 season.
Differentials
Emile Smith Rowe
The English youngster has been brilliant for the Gunners in the recent games. The central midfielder is linking-up well with the fellow attackers in the front. Emile also had a loan spell with the German club, RB Leipzig, in the Bundesliga.
He’ll once again feature in the Premier League for Gunners, who has already produced three assists in three appearances this Premier League. While he also has found the net once in the Europa League competition for the senior side this term.
Wilfried Zaha
Former Manchester United midfielder will be a key player for the visiting side at Emirates. The winger has been effective this season as usual for Crystal Palace. The 28-year-old has found the net eight times this season in fifteen appearances for the Eagles.
While he also has contributed two assists for his side in the league. His partnership with fellow striker Christian Benteke will be crucial for Roy Hodgson’s side.
The 12TH Man Prediction
Arsenal’s recent record against Crystal Palace hasn’t been great. Considering the current form of both sides, Arsenal might edge past the Eagles in this encounter. Arsenal’s winning momentum might just help them defeat the visitors on Thursday night footballing action. The final scoreline might read 3-1 in favor of Arsenal, which will help them to climb up the ladder.
