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Mikel Arteta | Getty Images
Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side look to keep their momentum going
Arsenal won 4-0 at home to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last time out. Viktor Gyokeres managed to get himself on the scoresheet twice against the La Liga side at the Emirates Stadium. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli also found the net.
Mikel Arteta’s side have made an impressive start to the new Premier League season. They sit top of the table after their first eight fixtures above Manchester City and Liverpool and have lost only once. Here is a look at their predicted starting XI as they prepare to play Crystal Palace on their own patch this weekend...
Arsenal goalkeeper and defence
Arsenal number one David Raya will keep his place between the sticks against Crystal Palace. The former Brentford man has kept four clean sheets on the spin. Kepa arrizabalaga, who joined in the summer from Chelsea, provides back-up from the bench.
Jurrien Timber has been in eye-catching form over recent times and is becoming one of the Gunners’ main players. He likes to get up and down the right flank of defence. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Riccardo Calafiori come back into the team at left-back in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly following the victory over Atletico Madrid.
In the heart of defence, Gabriel scored against Diego Simeone’s side and will be eager to keep Crystal Palace at bay. William Saliba has been in solid form and has a strong parternship in the backline with Gabriel. Cristhian Mosquera will be ready to be called upon as well if needed.
Arsenal midfield and attack
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been ever-present for them in the middle of the park. The 26-year-old joined from West Ham back in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. He has made 115 appearances so far, 12 of which have come this term, and he has fired 17 goals.
Martin Zubimendi has slotted into the Gunners’ side well and has looked sharp. They delved into the market to snap him up from Real Sociedad in the last window. He has since adapted with ease to life in England and has caught the eye.
Eberechi Eze was another one of Arsenal’s summer signings. He left Crystal Palace to take on a new challenge and he injects quality into Arteta’s ranks. The attacking midfielder plays just ahead of Rice and Zubimendi and is set to get the nod again here with Martin Odegaard injured.
Further up the pitch, Bukayo Saka will want to cause the Eagles’ backline some problems. He likes to cut in on his left foot and has found the net on three occasions so far this season. On the other flank, Leandro Trossard could replace Martinelli again.
The Belgian scored the winner for the Gunners away at Fulham last Saturday as they secured another three points. Arteta could look to freshen things up again after he was left on the sidelines againts Atletico Madrid. Up front, Gyokeres will be in confident mood after his recent brace.
Arsenal predicted line-up vs Crystal Palace in full: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
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