Crystal Palace Team News: Crystal Palace will play their first home game of the season as they host Arsenal in a London derby clash at Selhurst Park. The Eagles had a mixed season in 2022/23 as they finished 11th. However, they would target a qualification in the UEFA competition this season. The hosts had a good record against Arsenal before losing two back-to-back games last season. They lost just once in 8 games against Arsenal before the defeat in August last year at home.
London derbies are tough clashes for Palace but they tried to put Arsenal under pressure many times. They beat them 3-0 at Selhurst Park last year. Meanwhile, they lost to Mikel Arteta’s side twice in 2022/23 including the most recent 4-1 hammering at Emirates. The Eagles had a good record at home with 5 defeats only last season. They dropped only points from the last possible 15 at Selhurst Park. The London outfit defeated Liverpool and Man United during this run.
Crystal Palace Team News
Eagles made a fluent start to their Premier League and gifted a win to Roy Hodgson who celebrated his 76th birthday last week. They made it into the top five with the win in the opening game against Sheffield United. Odsonne Edouard scored the goal in the 49th minute to secure three points in an away game.
Palace failed to win first two games in Premier League since 2020-21 and the task is heavy as they face the title challengers. They have to replicate the memory of April when they kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win. Roy Hodgson will opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation against Arsenal and Edouard will lead the attack.
Olise is not leaving the club for this season and it’s a great sign for the Eagles. He recently extended his contract for four years. Meanwhile, he will not take part in this home encounter due to a thigh injury. He is recovering and there is no ideal confirmation of his return. Crystal Palace’s summer signing Matheus Franca will wait for his debut for the London club as he has a lower back problem.
The Eagles will also deal with the injury of Will Hughes who is still in the recovery process of the knee injury he sustained during the pre-season. He will be back in September for the club. Palace have good news on the injury concern about Marc Guehi who had a cramp during the season opener at Bramall Lane. The English defender is fine and ready to take the field.
Crystal Palace XI
Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Lerma; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard
