Key events
Crystal Palace make three changes in the wake of the League Cup meeting between these clubs; Arsenal make seven. But Carabao teams are not real teams, so let’s do this properly.
Palace make three changes to the starting XI named for last weekend’s 3-1 win at Brighton. Nathaniel Clyne, Daichi Kamada and Chris Richards are in. Trevoh Chalobah drops to the bench, while the suspended Daniel Muñoz and injured Eberechi Eze miss out altogether.
Arsenal make two changes from the side that began the goalless draw with Everton. Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus are back; Mikel Merino and Declan Rice are on the bench.
The teams
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Lacroix, Richards, Guehi, Clyne, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell, Sarr, Kamada, Mateta.
Subs: Turner, Ward, Nketiah, Schlupp, Chalobah, Doucoure, Devenny, Kporha, Agbinone.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Havertz, Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli.
Subs: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Trossard, Jorginho, Merino, Calafiori, Rice, Nwaneri.
Referee: Simon Hooper (Wiltshire).
VAR: Michael Salisbury.
Preamble
If recent history between these two teams is anything to go by, this should be a shoo-in for Arsenal: the Gunners have won their last five matches against Crystal Palace, to the cumulative tune of 15-4, the most recent victory coming a mere three days ago in the League Cup. But nothing’s ever that simple, is it? Arsenal have dropped points in their last two Premier League matches, while Palace look to have rediscovered the form that closed out last season: they’re unbeaten in five in the League, and gave Arsenal a good game in that aforementioned League Cup tie earlier in the week. So this is set up nicely. Will Arsenal make up ground in the title race? Or can Palace snap their losing sequence in this London derby? We’ll find out soon enough. Kick-off is at 5.30pm GMT. It’s on!
