Arsenal line ups vs Crystal Palace as Partey and Havertz dropped, Zinchenko makes return
Mikel Arteta surprised us all with his team selection against Nottingham Forest. Just over a week later he could be set to do it all over again.
As Arsenal head down to Crystal Palace on Monday night the Spaniard has a fair few selection headaches to cope with. The first is in goal, where for the first time we'll see him choose between Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya. Another is at full back where he will have to find a solution to replace the impressive Jurrien Timber after he was ruled out for a lengthy period with an ACL injury.
With Manchester City having kept up their 100 per cent record against Newcastle on Saturday night, it's crucial that Arteta gets this line up right. Thankfully for him, football.london's Arsenal writers are on hand to help. Read who they think should start against Palace below.
For the first time this weekend we'll see where Mikel Arteta stands in the David Raya vs Aaron Ramsdale war. If I were him I would stick with Ramsdale for now. It should be his shirt until he makes a mistake worthy of losing it.
In front of him there's a few more big decisions to be made. Personally I feel if Alex Zinchenko is fit enough to start, after being back in full training this week, then he should do so, particularly with Jurrien Timber out. Palace will defend in a manner where the Ukrainian's ability on the ball will come in handy.
I also think this is a game to bring Gabriel back into the fold meaning that William Saliba and Ben White would both shift over one spot to the right. I think Thomas Partey did OK at right back against Nottingham Forest, but up against Palace's tricky wingers like Eberechi Eze I think a more natural defender is required. I'm moving the Ghanaian into central midfield as a result.
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