Arsenal VS Crystal Palace Preview

Arsène Wenger will be pleased by Tony Pulis’s sudden departure from Crystal Palace as he prepares to break Arsenal’s bad opening day result streak of three losses and one draw in the past four years. Key in this could be the Chile striker Alexis Sánchez, making his first competitive appearance. Brede Hangeland, also on debut, faces the challenge of stopping the ex-Barcelona man.

Kick-off Saturday 17:30HRS

Venue Emirates Stadium

Last season Arsenal 2 C Palace 0

Referee J Moss

Last season G35, Y105, R4, 3.23 cards per game

Odds H 3-10 A 12-1 D 5-1

Arsenal v Crystal Palace: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

Arsenal

Subs from Martínez, Rosicky, Monreal, Ox-Chamberlain, Flamini, Sanogo, Diaby, Coquelin, Campbell, Zelalem

Doubtful Koscielny (achilles)

Injured Mertesacker, Özil, Podolski (all match fitness, 16 Aug), Ospina (thigh, 31 Aug), Walcott (knee, Sep), Gnabry (knee, unknown), Miyaichi (hamstring, unknown)

Suspended None

Form -

Discipline Y0 R0

Top scorer (last season) Giroud 16

Crystal Palace

Subs from Hennessey, Kettings, Mariappa, Dann, McCarthy, Guedioura, O’Keefe, Thomas, Gayle, Murray, Bannan, Garvan

Doubtful Delaney (knock), Mariappa (rib), Thomas (knock)

Injured Williams (thigh, unknown)

Suspended None

Form -

Discipline Y0 R0

Top scorers (last season) Gayle, Puncheon 7