Arsenal will welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium on Monday night with an unbeaten run to keep in tact and a chance to jump into the top half of the Premier League.
After losing the first three matches of the season without scoring a goal, Mikel Arteta’s side has seemingly settled into the season, winning the next three before a draw against Brighton in their last match.
A win would put the side into the ninth on the table and just two points shy of the top four, something that seemed impossible after that horrendous start.
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Aaron Ramsdale has somewhat surprisingly taken over the No.1 spot in goal since his move, and he should once again keep Bernd Leno after the side. The former Sheffield United man has conceded just one goal in five appearances for the Gunners.
After conceding five goals against Manchester City, Arteta bolstered his defence with Takehiro Tomiyasu on transfer deadline day. The Japanese international has been excellent so far, and should continue at right-back, with the ever-reliable Kieran Tierney on the other side.
Ben White and Gabriel have begun to form a solid partnership at the back, relegating the likes of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding to the bench, and are likely to start together again.
With Granit Xhaka the only confirmed out for the Gunners, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey will likely sit at the base of midfield having struck up somewhat of a partnership themselves.
Ahead of them, Arsenal’s attack looks to be back to its free-flowing, attractive best after the blunt opening three fixtures.
Emile Smith-Rowe is in fine form, Martin Odegaard’s permanent return has provided a big boost, and while Bukayo Saka is not quite at his brilliant best so far, his quality continues to be a major driving force for the team in attack.
The trio should start in support of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front, and will be out to add to his two league goals so far this season.
That would leave the Gunners unchanged from the Brighton draw, with Arteta beginning to find consistency and dependability from his players.
Arsenal starting XI versus Crystal Palace
