Arsenal predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: Smith Rowe in for Martinelli?

Arsenal make the short journey across the capital to Selhurst Park on Monday as they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Here is the predicted lineup.

The wait is almost over and the joy of seeing our beloved team in action is back. But what team might that be?

Mikel Arteta saw three of his international stars stay home over the break when they otherwise would have been involved with their countries, as Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka all took no part over the halt in club action.

Saka has returned to training after recovering from Covid and barring any late hiccups should be involved, although it’s much less cut and dry for the other two.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: Emile Smith Rowe in for Gabriel Martinelli and will Tomiyasu be fit for Premier League clash?

In goal it’s a race against time for Ramsdale whose hip problem hasn’t seen him return to full training yet, and the concern is that rushing him back could prompt an aggravation of the issue – one which would be far from ideal for the final run-in.

The situation is similar for Tomiyasu, even if the right-back has been training with the group as he bids to make his first appearance since January. He stands a good chance of being involved in some capacity.

Patrick Vieira will be hoping to have his forward line at full strength with concerns over Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha, two players he refused to rule out of action. Was he keeping his cards close to his chest and being cryptic, though? Perhaps a la Arteta? Who knows.

System-wise we can expect the usual, a shape that will match up to Palace’s own 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – There is just no reason to rush Ramsdale, is there? Of course, it would be nice if he were back as his distribution would be welcome against the Eagles’ high press, but Leno will be trusted.

Cedric Soares (RB) – Same situation here. While Tomiyasu could well make the squad, taking unnecessary risks now is unwise.

Benjamin White (CB) – Injury to John Stones meant White played more minutes than originally planned for England, which is why it was nice of Southgate to take him off at half-time against Ivory Coast.

Gabriel (CB) – There will be no physical fatigue for Gabriel as he didn’t play for Brazil over the break, but there may be some tiredness going on as he welcomed the birth of his baby. Probably hasn’t slept at all.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Break? What break? Tierney played the full 90 minutes of both Scotland’s friendlies, grabbing himself a first international goal and an assist. He’s a machine though, and there was plenty of time to recover, so he’ll play.

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Midfielders

Martin Odegaard (AM) – Was at his dazzling best for Norway in their wins over Slovakia and Armenia, netting himself a fine curling goal and pulling all the strings as his side battered the latter 9-0.

He’s in tip top shape.

Thomas Partey (AM) – Will be buzzing to have seen his side qualify for the World Cup after their embarrassing exit from AFCON earlier in the year, with Partey’s long-range goal the deciding strike for Ghana against Nigeria.

Just don’t think you can score from anywhere now, please Thomas.

Granit Xhaka (AM) – Everyone remembers his stunning free-kick here fondly, and having not scored for Arsenal this season, another one of those wouldn’t go amiss.

Or, he could just keep playing at the level he is and doing the job he has to do to help the team win. That will also suffice.

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Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Having tested positive for Covid early into England’s training camp it gave Saka plenty of time to recover and there is little reason to suggest he won’t be in fine fettle for this match.

Coming up against his international teammate Tyrick Mitchell, who has the second best tackling success rate in the league this season, will make for an engrossing battle.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – It was Lacazette’s excellent cameo and late heroics that snatched Arsenal a draw in the previous meeting, and a display that prompted him to earn a regular run in the side in place of Odegaard.

Another goal here? Maybe?

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – The debate over who should get the nod between Martinelli and Smith Rowe has become increasingly interesting, with both players adding layers to their games and improving with each week.

However, for consistency of selection and because he did well at Villa Park, it might just be Smith Rowe who gets the nod on this occasion.