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Preview: Palace vs Arsenal, Team News, Line-Up & Prediction

By on February 20, 2015

Theo Walcott Arsenal

Arsenal get back to Premier League action this weekend as we face a tricky trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

The performance during last Sunday’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough was excellent and key to that was the combination of Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla in the middle of the park.

The duo were sensational throughout the entire match and Arsene Wenger will be hoping for more of the same at Selhurst Park tomorrow.

Despite their patchy form of late, Palace can be a difficult place to go so it’s important we get off to a good start to silence the passionate home support.

We currently sit fifth in the table and are just two points off third place Man Utd, but we can’t afford any silly slip-ups as the race for the top four is just too tight.

Team News

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to full training on Thursday but is unlikely to be risked.

Aaron Ramsey is still 10 days away from returning from a hamstring injury so he joins Arteta and Debuchy on the sidelines.

Jack Wilshere is back in the squad after three months out with an ankle injury, but he’s likely to be named among the subs.

Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Flamini face late fitness tests after picking up knocks this week.

Preferred Line-Up

As I’ve said many times in recent weeks, I think it’s time Szczesny is restored as our first choice keeper. Ospina hasn’t convinced me he’s a better option so I’d like to see Wojciech keep his place after starting in the cup last week.

If Bellerin doesn’t make it then Chambers will come in at right-back while I’d go with Gibbs on the left. I’d also start Walcott ahead of Welbeck in attack:

In reality, I think Arsene will stick with Ospina in goal and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Monreal and Welbeck also start in place of Gibbs and Theo.

Prediction

Nothing but a win will do for us this weekend and I’m confident the boys won’t let us down. Palace have stuttered lately and haven’t won at home in their last three league games, so I think we’ll be able to grind out an important away win.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal

COYG!!!

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