Arsenal v Crystal Palace: match preview

Arsenal prepare for the first of back-to-back weeknight home games with a relatively clean bill of health, although Granit Xhaka will be missed until after Christmas. The return of Patrick Vieira as Crystal Palace manager adds an extra frisson to the occasion; Palace have been awkward, niggly opponents at the Emirates in recent years but may be keener to go toe-to-toe with the hosts under their new regime. Should Arsenal see them off, it would be a fourth win in five games and further evidence that Mikel Arteta’s reign is finally gaining momentum. Nick Ames

Monday 8pm Sky Sports Premier League

Venue Emirates Stadium

Last season Arsenal 0 Crystal Palace 0

Referee Mike Dean

This season G5 Y19 R0 3.8 cards/game

Odds H 7-10 A 5-1 D 3-1

ARSENAL

Subs from Leno, Hein, Okonkwo, Chambers, Holding, Soares, Marí, Tavares, Kolasinac, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Pépé, Lacazette, Balogun, Martinelli, Nketiah

Doubtful Martinelli (knock)

Injured Xhaka (knee, Jan)

Suspended None

Discipline Y10 R1

Form LLWWWD

Leading scorer Aubameyang 2

CRYSTAL PALACE

Subs from Butland, Kelly, Clyne, Tomkins, Riedewald, Banks, Hannam, Street, Rak-Sakyi, Mateta, Schlupp, Benteke, Olise, Hughes, Kouyaté

Doubtful None

Injured Eze (achilles, unknown), Ferguson (achilles, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y10 R0

Form DDWLDD

Leading scorers Édouard, Gallagher, Zaha 2