Arsenal take on Crystal Palace on Monday in a London derby at Selhurst Park in what promises to be a tough fixture for the Gunners.
Both teams will be hoping to continue their 100% starts to the season, after Roy Hodgson’s side picked up a win on the opening day at Sheffield United.
Palace have been in fine form since Hodgson’s return to Selhurst Park, 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.
What can we expect from Arsenal?
Arteta raised eyebrows against Forest when he deployed Thomas Partey within the back four, leaving out last season’s central defensive mainstay Gabriel.
With Timber picking up his injury, it’s unlikely that Partey will move back into the midfield, with Tomiyasu likely to come in at left back replacing Timber.
With doubts growing over Keiran Tierney’s future, Tomiyasu is certainly to first choice picked while Oleksandr Zinchenko works his way back to full fitness.
Arteta will want to take the game to Palace in the early stages to ensure a hostile Monday night crowd at Selhurst Park is kept quiet in what could be an incredibly difficult game for the Gunners.
What’s the latest injury news?
Arteta was dealt a huge blow after Jurrien Timber sustained 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.
