£35m star returns, Arteta makes 3 big changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in Sunday’s Premier League derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has already confirmed a big injury doubt.
Gabriel Magalhaes picked up a knock against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and he did not report for training until Friday. He may not make the matchday squad.
With this in mind, we anticipate the manager to make three changes to the starting line-up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been an undisputed starter in goal for the Gunners. The Spain international has kept five clean sheets in the Premier League and will be eyeing another shutout against Palace.
In defence, there could be two changes from the 4-0 rout of Atletico. With Gabriel doubtful, we have predicted Piero Hincapie to make his league debut alongside William Saliba in central defence.
Hincapie has a better aerial presence than Cristhian Mosquera and could finally make a start for the Gunners.
Jurrien Timber is poised to continue at right-back, but there could be a straight swap on the opposite end.
Riccardo Calafiori has started every league game at left-back this season, making three goal contributions.
The £35 million-rated star should replace Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left side of the backline.
No changes are anticipated in the centre of the park. Martin Zubimendi is assured to start as the holding midfielder, while Declan Rice should operate in the number eight position again.
Eberechi Eze has been unlucky in front of goal. He was denied by two brilliant saves against Newcastle United last month and unfortunately hit the woodwork early on versus Atletico.
He should still keep his place in the number 10 role ahead of Ethan Nwaneri. The Englishman should relish the prospect of facing his former side. He will be determined to score his maiden league goal for Arsenal.
Further forward, Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter on the right wing. The same can be said for Viktor Gyokeres upfront. The Swede ended a seven-game goalless streak with a brace in midweek.
Gabriel Martinelli got himself on the scoresheet against Diego Simeone’s side, but Leandro Trossard could be reinstated on the left wing. The Belgian bagged the winner against Fulham last weekend.
He has started the last four league games ahead of Martinelli and looks likely to make the XI.
How Arsenal could line up vs Crystal Palace
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
The post £35m star returns, Arteta makes 3 big changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Crystal Palace first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.