The 4th Official
·19 December 2024
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·19 December 2024
Arsenal somehow managed to overpower Crystal Palace by 3-2 in the EFL Cup quarter-final round to advance into the tournament. Interestingly both sides will meet again this weekend but in the Premier League at the latter side’s home ground.
Hence, Crystal Palace will be extra motivated to avenge that loss. On the other hand, the Gunners will be confident and try to repeat the result. Notably, Mikel Arteta’s men are still fighting for the league title despite being in a critical situation.
Defence
David Raya could’ve done better to save a goal against Crystal Palace. Anyway, he will keep his spot between the sticks. Jurrien Timber started the previous game in the centre-back area but should move to his original right-back position.
Mikel Arteta is expected to recall the formidable centre-back duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Young Myles Lewis-Skelly could be getting his third start as a left-back at the cost of Kieran Tierney.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: David Raya of Arsenal celebrates after teammate Bukayo Saka (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC at Turf Moor on February 17, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Midfield
The entire midfield unit is supposed get rotated as the Gunners cannot afford to drop points in the league.
The trio of Mikel Merino, Jorginho, and Ethan Nwaneri get replaced by Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard.
Attack
Bukayo Saka will be starting this time on the right wing with Kai Havertz operating as the number nine. It means Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard should find themselves on the bench.
Raheem Sterling also makes way for Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.
The likes of Ben White (knee) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are definitely missing, while Oleksandr Zinchenko (muscle) and Riccardo Calafiori (knee) are all unavailable for selection for this fixture due to injuries.
4-3-3 Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace