Arsenal predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: 4-3-3 with Pepe in?

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – The GOAL MACHINE is back on English soil after obliterating Zimbabwe with two goals in World Cup qualifying for Ghana.

Can he carry that over into his club form? Given he plays a more advanced role for the Black Stars, it’s best not to get hopes up. His job on Monday will be entirely different against a well organised side as he looks to evade the press of the Palace midfield and forward trios.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – Sambi in means a double pivot, one that hopefully will look more like an actual double pivot without the young Belgian moving out the left-back slot he filled in for large spells of the Brighton draw to account for the spaces vacated by Tierney.

It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Arteta go with a 4-3-3 on Monday to match up against Palace, but given he knows Sambi is set for a long run in the team he needs to be getting all the minutes he can alongside Partey. Depending on game state, the single pivot can be introduced later on.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – He and Partey struggled last time out. It’s the biggest criticism of Odegaard that he can be found missing in games where Arsenal aren’t in control, and against a Palace side who also like to see plenty of possession he needs to avoid a repeat.

Continued…