Date: Saturday 20th January, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm
Stadium Emirates Stadium
Referee Paul Tierney (England)
Goal Scorer:
Arsenal
The Dubai trip did provide plenty of fitness updates for Arsenal fans, as the tour saw Jurrien Timber running on grass again. While the Dutchman could theoretically play again this season, he is nowhere close to making a comeback in the present.
Thomas Partey was also part of the group that travelled to Dubai but was not seen in regular training. Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe appeared sharp and fit. The duo could form a part of the matchday squad against Crystal Palace, although Vieira remains a doubt still. The Gunners are also missing Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny, with the pair representing Japan and Egypt, at the AFC Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations respectively.
Gabriel Jesus is also back in action after a recent knee complaint, while Ben White also appeared to be at his usual level after some reports suggesting he has been carrying a niggle all this while. There are still doubts over Oleksandr Zinchenko’s participation and whether he has recovered from his recent problem.
Arteta may not want to take a significant risk with the fitness of his players despite many of those doubtful featuring in full training in Dubai. Hence, there are chances that the Arsenal boss will deploy a similar side against Crystal Palace to the one that lost the FA Cup clash to Liverpool, with David Raya the only potential change from that lineup.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson does not have any fresh injury problems with his side but will continue to miss several critical stars. Chief among them is Michael Olise, who remains out with a thigh problem, and there are no suggestions about a return date yet. Another winger, Jordan Ayew, has joined up with the Ghana squad and will miss the forthcoming games.
Former Arsenal defender Rob Holding will also miss out with ankle trouble, although the centre-back would not have started had he been fit. In Olise’s absence, Matheus Franca could deputise on the right wing, while Jeffrey Schlupp could take his place on the left-hand side of the attack.
Eberechi Eze will complete the attacking setup and in support of central striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma are best placed to hold the fort in central midfield. At the back, with Joel Ward still absent, Nathaniel Clyne seems best placed for the right-back role.
Tyrick Mitchell will remain at left-back. Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi are Hodgson’s first-choice centre-backs, and the Crystal Palace boss will be glad they are fit to take their places. Dean Henderson will get the nod between the sticks over Sam Johnstone.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma; Franca, Eze, Schlupp; Mateta
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
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