Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Crystal Palace, Zinchenko starts

Arsenal make the short trip to south London for tonight’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Gunners started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium. They were the dominant side for most of the game, but had a nervous finish after Taiwo Awoniyi’s 82nd minute goal.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be aiming for a second-straight victory when they face Palace, but it may not be a straightforward game. The Eagles have been a bogey club in the past and there is no room for complacency.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

Aaron Ramsdale has stepped up his performances since the Emirates Cup this month. He now has genuine competition from David Raya, but should continue in goal as the manager has no reason to replace him.

Thomas Partey started at right-back against Forest before moving into a midfield role later on. Ben White, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber started in the back three, but there will be an enforced change with the latter picking up a serious knee injury.

Against Palace, Arteta could revert to a traditional 4-2-3-1 set-up. Gabriel Magalhaes was surprisingly dropped to the bench for tactical reasons after starting 73 consecutive league games. The Brazilian should return to partner Saliba in central defence.

Ben White will most certainly return to the right side of the backline. With Oleksandr Zinchenko fit after a calf injury, he should come in at left-back. Kai Havertz could be the player dropping to the bench to accommodate an additional defender.

Partey should occupy his customary number six role from the off and looks set to be partnered by Declan Rice. The club’s record signing was more adventurous in the back end of the Forest game and was unlucky not to score. Matt Turner denied him twice.

In front of the duo, it should be the regular quartet. Bukayo Saka showed his class with a stunning curling goal which proved to be the match winner. The England international will continue from the right wing position.

Gabriel Martinelli produced a wonderful bit of skill to create Eddie Nketiah’s opening goal. The Brazilian winger was under pressure after an average showing in the Emirates Cup, but stepped up with a stunning display.

He also won plenty of duels on both ends of the pitch and was fantastic to watch. He should start on the left wing with club captain Martin Odegaard in the number 10 spot. The Norwegian has been a key catalyst behind Arsenal’s build-up play and chance creation.

Up front, Eddie Nketiah is primed to start. The club graduate earned his starting spot with a superb training session and repaid the manager’s faith with the Gunners’ first goal of the campaign. He is expected to lead the line in the London derby.