Arsenal predicted XI vs Crystal Palace: will Oleksandr Zinchenko fill in for injured Jurrien Timber?

Last season’s title challengers Arsenal will have something of a sour taste in their mouth after failing to capitalise on their lead over Manchester City last season. That taste is proabably revenge, and Mikel Arteta will be determined to be near faultless this term as the Gunners look to grab their second chance with both hands.

Arsenal will travel to Selhurst Park on Monday to take on Crystal Palace as they look to build some winning momentum. Both sides enter the clash on the back of narrow victories in their opening games — the Gunners held on for a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest despite their opponents’ valiant comeback effort, while the Eagles squeaked past Sheffield United thanks to a lone goal from Odsonne Édouard.

Arsenal’s early Timber blow

While it was a big positive to see Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka open up their accounts for the 2023/24 season, Arsenal were dealt quite a hefty blow when new signing Jurriën Timber was forced off in his first Premier League match. It has since been confirmed by the club that he has suffered an ACL injury and will be out for an extensive period of time, potentially the full season. So far from the dream start he and the fans were expecting.

Fortunately, Oleksandr Zinchenko is back in full training and could be in contention to feature against Palace on Monday. Arteta has said he will be back in the squad ‘very, very soon’, which is impeccable timing and will be a very welcome boost following the Timber news.

Whether Zinchenko will start against the Eagles is uncertain. Arteta may opt to play it safe and to avoid rushing him back, either bring him on as a substitute or leave him on the bench, which could open up a window for Takehiro Tomiyasu to start as a tactical approach. Speaking of which, the manager’s decision to bench Gabriel against Forest may be reverted to his usual, logical approach to deploy his players in their correct positions, after Thomas Partey came in at right-back.

Arsenal predicted line-up

Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Ødegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.

Edouard stepping up for Palace

After a strong start, Édouard fell out of form in the second half of last season but he hit the ground running to score the only goal against the Blades last weekend. Jordan Ayew provided the assist for the goal and will likely be an everpresent figure in Roy Hodgson’s team this season as they look to improve on last term’s 11th place finish.

Palace are currently without the influence of Michael Olise, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and also finds himself linked to a move to Chelsea this transfer window. The Blues have reportedly triggered his release clause and are closing in on a permanent deal but of course, there is no real rush as the French winger remains sidelined following his surgery.

The Eagles will surely be keen to get more goals on the board this time round, having recorded one of the lowest returns last season. With just 40 goals on their tally, Palace scored less than the likes of relegated Leicester City and Leeds United. With the attacking power of Arsenal up ahead though, they may want to focus more on keeping them at bay to start with before they think about deploying their own attack.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup

Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guéhi, Mitchell, Lerma, Doucouré, Ayew, Eze, Schlupp, Édouard.