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After a break in the middle of the season, Arsenal is gearing up for the Premier League action with one clear goal in mind: redemption. Coming back from a two-week break in Dubai, Mikel Arteta’s team is ready to face Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon. They are determined to shake off the disappointment of a three-game losing streak.
Both Arsenal and Crystal Palace faced disappointment in the FA Cup recently. Arsenal’s hopes were dashed by Liverpool in the third round, while Crystal Palace exited the competition after a tense replay against Everton midweek. Despite these setbacks, the shared feeling of defeat could fuel a highly competitive London derby.
Arsenal is feeling the pressure as they had a promising start to the season, but a recent slump has seen them slide down the table. Bright sparks like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are there, but the Gunners need to rediscover their defensive strength and attacking flair to quiet the growing dissatisfaction among fans.
Crystal Palace, under the steady guidance of Roy Hodgson, won’t be easy opponents. With Wilfried Zaha posing a constant threat and veteran James Milner providing experience in midfield, the Eagles are not daunted by their recent setback. They believe in their disciplined approach and counter-attacking skills to challenge the home side.
With both teams eager to bounce back, this London derby promises to be an exciting match. Can Arsenal find the determination to overcome their recent struggles and get back in the title race? Or will Crystal Palace soar high at the Emirates, causing Arsenal to slip further down the table? The answers will unfold under the north London floodlights on Saturday afternoon.
Possible Prediction line-ups
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Eze, Richards, Lerma, Schlupp; Edouard, Mateta
Event details
NAME: Arsenal – Crystal Palace
DATE: 20 Jan 2024
TIME: 12:30 UTC
VENUE: Emirates Stadium, London, England