Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Crystal Palace and visitors Arsenal will both be looking to make it two wins from two matches when they meet in the Premier League on Monday evening.
The Eagles sneaked past Sheffield United on the opening weekend, with Roy Hodgson’s side winning 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
Arsenal also won by a one-goal margin, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners won both meetings against the Eagles last season, and Mikel Arteta’s side need to again be winning these types of fixture if they want to go one better and claim the Premier League title come May.
Palace winger Michael Olise, who signed a new contract in midweek, remains sidelined with a thigh injury, and Hodgson has already said it will be a “while” before fans see him back on the pitch.
Matheus Franca will be unable to make his debut due to a back problem, while a knee injury keeps Will Hughes in the treatment room.
Marc Guehi came off against Sheffield United with cramp, but he should be fit to start on Monday night.
Arsenal’s summer signing, Jurrien Timber, will miss the majority of the campaign with an ACL injury, but Oleksandr Zinchenko could return from a calf problem.
Arteta is still without Gabriel Jesus due to a knee complaint, while Folarin Balogun, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny are all unlikely to feature due to knocks.
Arsenal have fared well against Palace in the last few years, losing only two of the last 12 meetings between the two sides.
They have scored 25 goals during that time, and considering their form last season, Arteta’s side will be confident they can improve that record.