Arsenal v Crystal Palace team news and preview – Goals Galore
This weekend Arsenal return to Premier League football after enduring a disappointing midweek Champions’ League group match against Borussia Dortmund. The German opposition didn’t exactly run riot at the Emirates and ultimately we were unfortunate to lose the game, however it is now important that the team focuses on the next match, a fixture to newly promoted Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Arsenal visit Selhurst Park in London to play Crystal Palace this weekend in a game that will feature two high contested sides at the two ends of the spectrum. At one end features Arsenal who sit at the top of the Premier League, facing Palace, a side that is only not bottom because of the failings of Sunderland. Palace currently have 7 defeats in 8 games, with the only win being against Sunderland, whilst Arsenal are on 6 wins and a single draw, with the only defeat coming against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.
Arsenal will be looking to continue their fine run of Premier League form which included a 4-1 win over Norwich City last Saturday. The Gunners face no new injury concerns and should welcome back Mathieu Flamini to the match day squad at the least. Jack Wilshere will need to be assessed before the game after being subbed off against Dortmund as a precaution for an ankle injury but the Englishman is expected to be okay.
As for Palace, they will be under new management after Ian Holloway had his contract terminated by the Eagles with mutual consent this week, after both sides of the party agreed that a new appointment was necessary to keep the club in the Premier League. The game also sparks the return of Marouane Chamakh, who is likely to play against the Gunners following his summer move away from the club.
Jack Wilshere has already stated that he thinks Palace away could be a difficult game, whilst I too am in agreement with him on this subject basis. Arsenal cannot afford to underestimate their opposition because if they do, like many many times before we will be punished by a newly promoted side and this time it could prove to be very damaging. Of course such an event isn’t expected and Arsenal are anticipated to attain all 3 points from the game, continue our high run of form and rack up a total of 22 points for the season so far. I’m expecting lots of goals from this fixture and so I’m going to predict 5-1 to the Arsenal!
