The Arsenal lineup that should start against Crystal Palace

19 May 2021 16:00

Arsenal will look to make it three wins in a row for the first time since January when they take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday night in the Premier League.

The Gunners comfortably beat already-relegated West Brom before earning a 1-0 win over Chelsea last week to close the gap as they chase European football for next season following a really poor campaign.

As Mikel Arteta looks to finish as high up the table as possible in the final two games, he'll take on a Palace side looking to send off manager Roy Hodgson in the best possible way before he leaves in the summer.

Here's the Gunners side that should start to be best placed to earn all three points.


1. Goalkeeper and defenders

Arsenal's stand out defender this season | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Bernd Leno (GK) - The German's future at the club is uncertain, but while he's here he's first choice and starts.

Calum Chambers (RB) -
Chambers has impressed at right-back since returning to fitness and should keep Hector Bellerin out of the side once again.

Gabriel (CB) -
Despite an inconsistent first season, Gabriel has all the makings of a top centre back and should start as the Gunners continue to plan ahead.

Rob Holding (CB) -
Has grown to be a leader in the Arsenal defence under Arteta and is essentially first choice when he's available now.

Kieran Tierney (LB) -
Quite comfortably Arsenal's standout defender this season, Tierney will start and provide a great threat down the wing.

2. Midfielders

Odegaard has impressed during his loan spell | Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Mohamed Elneny (CM) - The Egyptian is comfortable in a holding midfield role and his discipline can help solidify a shaky defence at Selhurst Park.

Thomas Partey (CM) -
Partey has struggled to make a big impression this season but his quality is undeniable and he's still the best midfielder at the club, so should start.

Martin Odegaard (AM) -
The Real Madrid loanee has done well since arriving in January and has two games left to make a lasting impression, starting at one of the toughest grounds to visit.

3. Forwards

Hale End's finest | Pool/Getty Images

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Arsenal's golden boy has had a fantastic season and while he's been shifted around the pitch recently, he should find himself back in his favoured right-wing position in this one.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) -
Arsenal's top goalscorer this season, Lacazette's ability to play with this back to goal and emphatic finishing will likely see him start ahead of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) -
The England Under-21 international has been the catalyst of most things positive for Arsenal in the second half of the season and his brilliant dribbling and eye for a pass should see him continue to play regularly.

Source: 90min