As the lights dim and the roar of Selhurst Park takes over, a showdown looms. Arsenal, fresh off a tense victory, meets Hodgson’s resurgent Eagles.

It’s not just about three points; it’s about pride, strategy, and star players colliding on the pitch.

• Arsenal, having narrowly beaten Nottingham Forest, face a rejuvenated Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park with Hodgson’s return boosting the Eagles’ performance.
• The Gunners’ defence will be tested with Eze’s rising threat, but the team’s record of 10 clean sheets on the road last season might tilt the scales.
• Saka’s stellar performance, contributing to 20 goals in 39 matches, and the imminent return of Zinchenko could be pivotal for Arsenal.

In a world that seems to grow increasingly uncertain by the day, at least one thing remains clear: Arsenal will always find a way to keep us guessing. On Monday night, we have the privilege of watching our beloved Gunners saunter down to Selhurst Park to confront a rejuvenated Crystal Palace.

And given their opening performances, the London night promises more twists than a British crime drama.

While Arsenal’s big dreams had them barely holding off a feisty Nottingham Forest side last week, Crystal Palace edged past Sheffield United, who, let’s face it, have set the bar rather low. But who are we to judge? Palace’s eagerness to outdo expectations matches their propensity to surprise (or disappoint, depending on which end of the fandom spectrum you’re on), something we are all familiar with.

Declan Rice may still be trying to locate his Emirates-issued compass, and poor Justin has been sidelined with a nasty twist to his Timber (that knee injury sounds as pleasant as a British summer). This could be a perfect storm for Gabriel Magalhaes to re-enter the fray. Or perhaps Arteta might shuffle his deck and deal Zinchenko, if he’s fit, into the left-back position – a more straight swap, considering Timber’s recent exploits.

Hodgson’s Palace, with a smattering of attacking flair and a side of nostalgia, have found their feet with six wins in their last eleven. And while I’d love to scoff at that, the numbers don’t lie. But then again, neither do memories of our double triumph over them last term. The ghosts of fixtures past are on our side, right?

However, lurking in the Palace shadows is Eberchi Eze, who, under Hodgson’s regime, seems to have been granted the sort of freedom attackers dream of.

With 10 clean sheets on the road last season, the Arsenal defence will need to be on high alert. Yet, if they can quash the Eze effect, the Gunners can sail smoothly into three points.

Eagle-eyed (pun intended) fans will be watching the Saka show. Bukayo has been more consistent than my morning coffee, contributing to 20 goals in 39 matches since last season.

However, let’s not be blind to Palace’s resurgence under Hodgson, whose return has upped their shot output by a staggering 50%. Though it might be amusing to think of the Eagles firing blanks, their penchant for set plays could prove sticky for the Gunners, who might still be nursing some vulnerability from set-piece woes last season.

Jurrien Timber’s unfortunate ACL injury means the defence requires some shuffling. While the likes of Tomiyasu and Tierney (the latter being referred to as an almost forgotten relic of yesteryears, not playing since *checks notes* the Community Shield two weeks ago) might be options, Zinchenko’s imminent return could be a game-changer. Here’s hoping the Ukrainian is fit, well-drilled, and can slot into the backline without a hiccup.

Upfront, the striker situation remains as clear as mud. Though Arteta has thrown the gauntlet to Nketiah, Jesus remains the numero uno choice when fit. Yet, it’s Nketiah’s chance to shine, and Selhurst Park might just be his playground come Monday.

In the end, as we settle into our couches, hoping for a performance as smooth as a pint of the finest ale, remember this: Arsenal might wobble, might even stumble, but the faith remains. So, dear Gunners, to Selhurst Park we march – with expectations as high as ever.

For those looking for the visual treat, tune into Sky Sports Premier League at 20:00 BST, August 21.

Enjoy the ride.