Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Predicted XI: Stop the plague

Front Three

You have to love Bukayo Saka and all that we saw from him during his run starting, but I have to imagine that run should be coming to an end thanks in part to two things—Alexandre Lacazette‘s return, and the two phenomenal free kicks from Nicolas Pepe, who was probably going to retain his starting job anyway.

I haven’t been this excited to see Pepe start since… Burnley. And that was short-lived. This time around, I can’t imagine that the goal drought is going to continue, not after seeing him chuck home two beautiful goals against Vitoria. If ever there was a way to lift low confidence, that was it.

Lacazette has to start as well. While fans have been (slightly) tolerant of Emery’s obstinance in changing up the defense, they will be unforgiving if Lacazette is wasted away on the bench when we all know that he is a difference maker any time he takes the pitch.

Lastly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will move out wide. It’s not where he wants to be, but he found just as much joy out there last year as he did up top, taking it all the way to the Golden Boot. More of that, please.