Preview: Arsenal v Crystal Palace- Gunners aiming for five in a row

Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium as they look for a fifth consecutive win in all competitions.

Arsenal struggled against a stout Newcastle side in their FA Cup victory before Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang scored in extra time to seal the Gunners progress to the next round.

The Gunners are currently 11th in the table, just one point and two spots above Palace heading into the clash and they could rise as high as eighth and just four points behind Tottenham in sixth with a win. Palace is coming off a loss to Wolves in their FA Cup match while the Gunners are riding a wave of momentum having won their last four matches in all competitions.

Team news

Arsenal

Thomas Partey will likely feature in this match; however, it remains to be seen whether that will be from the bench or starting and defender Gabriel is in line to return after serving his quarantine period after having mild Covid-19 symptoms.

Gabriel Martinelli is out after injuring his ankle in the pre match warm up before the Newcastle game however Mikel Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference that the Brazilian would be in line to return against Newcastle.

Crystal Palace

Roy Hodgson will be without Mamadou Sahko after the defender picked up an injury in their loss to Wolves however Gary Cahill is back after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Both sides will come into this one with reasonably healthy squads so there is no excuse for either side not to put on a show.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang finally got on the scoresheet against the Magpies and will be looking to add to his tally. Defender Kieran Tierney is looking for his third game in a row with an assist as the Gunners look to build on their impressive run which currently stands at four wins in a row.

Arsenal predicted XI: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace