Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, less than 72 hours after their game in Lisbon, attempting to maintain their position in the Premier League’s top four.
Arsenal won their 11th consecutive match on Thursday, defeating Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in a closely fought and physical encounter. As a result, we expect Unai Emery to make a number of changes to the side that started the match less than 72 hours before the Gunners’ trip to Selhurst Park.
Arsenal are trying to keep the pressure on the league leaders, just a couple of points ahead at the start of the weekend, whilst also edging in front of the other teams fighting for a Champions League spot. Let’s have a look at the predicted team to start the London derby.
2Midfield
Lucas Torreira is pretty much undroppable right now, as Arsenal always look better with him on the pitch. Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka are the two most likely options to partner him, despite both playing 90 minutes on Thursday. Assuming a left-back is fit to take his place, we expect Xhaka to return to midfield on this occasion.
Mesut Özil takes the third spot at number 10, after his world-class showing on Monday and a full 90 minutes of rest in Lisbon.
Aaron Ramsey will be disappointed to be back on the bench in the league again, but his performances haven’t pushed him ahead of the German at this stage, and he started against Sporting.
Click ‘Next’ for Forwards and our Full Predicted Starting XI