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.
3Forwards
Unfortunately, two players have to be left out in the front three. Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are essentially fighting for three spots right now.
Iwobi is in fantastic form, and gives a good balance to the team, so he’ll retain his place on the left. Lacazette missed a couple of chances against Leicester on Monday, but again the team seems more balanced with him in it. He’s usually a lethal finisher but also helps the team in the build-up when necessary.
Mkhitaryan looks the favoured choice on the right as it stands. He links up well with Bellerin, and neither Welbeck nor Aubameyang have as much experience on that side in this team.
The former Manchester United man might not be the popular choice with Aubameyang in such great goalscoring form, but the Gabonese striker has looked much more effective coming off the bench to kill teams off recently. He didn’t look quite as impressive from the start on Thursday.
Click ‘Next’ for our full predicted starting XI