As Arsenal prepare for a vital Premier League showdown against Crystal Palace on 20 January 2024, all eyes are on the Emirates Stadium.

This encounter is pivotal for the Gunners, who are keen to bounce back and keep their title aspirations alive after a challenging end to 2023.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Gabriel after their team's victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Gabriel after their team’s victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on 20 January 2024 at the Emirates Stadium is shaping up to be a crucial fixture for the Gunners, especially as they aim to get their title challenge back on track.

The match is scheduled for a 12.30 PM UK time kickoff.

The Gunners, after a strong start to their league campaign, experienced a dip in form towards the end of 2023.

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Despite their performances against teams like Burnley, Brentford, and Wolves, recent consecutive defeats to West Ham and Fulham have seen them slide down the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta’s side must now find a way to overcome their predictability and lack of depth off the bench.

In terms of team news, Arsenal are dealing with several key absences.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal takes on Hugo Bueno of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal takes on Hugo Bueno of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Thomas Partey (thigh injury) and Mohamed Elneny (on international duty) are notable misses in the midfield, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is also away at the Asian Cup.

Additionally, Fabio Vieira is still recovering from a groin surgery, and Jurrien Timber is gradually returning from an ACL injury.

However, there’s positive news as Gabriel Jesus appears to have fully recovered from a knee issue and could be in contention to start.

Crystal Palace, under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, have had mixed results this season.

Injuries to key players have hampered their consistency. Michael Olise, a crucial player for Palace, is out with a hamstring injury, and Jordan Ayew is unavailable due to AFCON commitments.

Despite these challenges, Crystal Palace has shown resilience and could pose a tactical threat to Arsenal, especially if they leverage their discipline to frustrate the Gunners.

The predicted line-up for Arsenal could include Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Havertz, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.

On the other hand, Palace might field a team consisting of Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Richards, Hughes; Eze, Mateta, Schlupp.

Given both teams’ current form and the history of their encounters, this match is expected to be a closely contested affair.

Arsenal, however, with their home advantage and a potentially returning Jesus, should have the upper hand.

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