Arsenal vs Crystal Palace predictions: Crystal Palace line-up
Like a few other sides in the Premier League, Crystal Palace are still not safe from relegation. A dip in form in the final four games could see the Eagles out of the league.
Cardiff City sit only eight points behind and with four games left in the season, that’s not the hardest thing to do. And the fixtures are not in the Eagles’ favour, with them facing Arsenal first before home games against Everton and Bournemouth.
This puts the onus on the Arsenal clash even more, but it’s highly unlikely they’ll win. So far, they’ve managed just the one win against the Premier League’s big boys.
That was all the way back in December but the Eagles will take into consideration that they managed a draw against the Gunners. The reserve game ended 2-2, a large surprise to many. It will take everything Roy Hodgson and his men have, and Arsenal’s mid-week fixture will play a part.
Team news
James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho have been ruled out for the season, while Jeffery Schlupp is a doubt. The former Leicester City man limped off in their 3-1 loss to Manchester City. Barring that, Hodgson has a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Probable Crystal Palace XI
Formation: 4-5-1
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Vincente Guaita (GK)
The Spaniard has played a part in every game since mid-December barring two and should continue that trend.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)
An absolute revelation this season, the 21-year-old is arguably Crystal Palace’s best player this season.
Scott Dann (CB)
With Tomkins and Sakho injured, Dann has stepped in and done relatively well for the club.
Martin Kelly (CB)
A right-back by trade, Kelly’s versatility and ability on the ball makes him the perfect man to replace Sakho.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)
An ever-present persona this season, the 28-year-old has been great this season and should keep his place.
Andros Townsend (RM)
He struggled to make an impact against Manchester City and will have to step it up against Arsenal
Luka Milivojevic (CM)
A set-piece maestro, Milivojevic is Crystal Palace’s top scorer and has featured in every game this season.
James McArthur (CM)
Like Milivojevic, McArthur has played in every game of the season and should continue to do the same.
Cheikhou Kouyaté (CM)
Talented but very injury prone, Kouyaté’s move from West Ham hasn’t worked out the way he’d have wanted it to.
Wilfried Zaha (LM)
Among Palace’s most important players, Zaha has scored 8 goals and provided 8 assists so far.
Read more Crystal Palace news, click here: Crystal Palace latest news
Michy Batshuayi (ST)
The Chelsea man has been an excellent addition to Hodgson’s squad, proving to be a big hit again away from Chelsea.