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Arsenal V Crystal Palace: What can we expect?

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Arsenal head across the capital to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in what promises to be a tough fixture for the Gunners. 

Both teams will be hoping they can make it six points from six with Roy Hodgson’s side picking up a win on the opening day at Sheffield United.

Palace have been in fine form since Hodgson’s return to South London, winning five and drawing three of his ten games so far and have remained unbeaten at home.

Mikel Arteta will need to ensure his side are in top form having dominated against Nottingham Forest on the opening day, before an easing of the gas allowed the East Midlands side back into the game. Something the experience Hodgson will have undoubtedly identified as he prepares his team for the London derby.

Arsenal Team News

Jurrien Timber is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury against Nottingham Forest, and joins Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny who are also recovering from knee issues.

Oleksandr Zinchenko will continue his comeback from a calf problem that saw his pre-season disrupted with Arteta saying that he is close to a return, while David Raya is likely to be included in our matchday squad after completing his move from Brentford.

Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe, Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares continue to be linked with a summer exit are all likely to be left out, with the four absent in the victories over Manchester City and 2-1 victory over Forest.

What has Arteta said?

Speaking to the Arsenal media team, Arteta opened up on the positives he saw against Nottingham Forest, suggesting the dominance was a factor that impressed him the most.

“The amount of times that we played in the territory that we want to play in, the amount of chances that we created and the few things that we conceded.

“We have to be [more clinical]. When you play games of that type, it has to finish three, four, five. We didn’t do it and that’s why in the Premier League if you give something to the opponent, it’s always going to be a nervy ending unfortunately.”

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