Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: 3 pre-match talking points

What Tactics Will Patrick Vieira Employ?

"“We were really focused [in training] on the defensive side of it,” Vieira said of his team’s tactics against Man City. “We knew we were not going to have the possession, it was really important for the midfield five to be tight and compact – to stop the finding those players inside the pockets.” “We wanted to force the ball wide and from there start to put pressure on the ball. We had a really good gameplan and the players executed it really well.”"

Their approach in the commendable 0-0 draw at home to Man City was one that was a combination of forced and measured. Vieira’s side are a team who like to win the ball back higher up the pitch and force broken play, using Conor Gallagher to press opposition central defenders, but against Man City it was a more pragmatic style.

Respect comes into it. Vieira knows his side can’t go toe-to-toe with the City’s of this world and come out on top, so they need to focus on other areas of the pitch to bring success. To their credit, they’ve claimed four points off City and not conceded a single goal, so whatever he’s doing is working.

Being at home one can expect front-footed football from the off, although they will know of the dangers in behind with Martinelli/Smith Rowe and Saka on the flanks. Vieira will never stray from his philosophy too far, though. It’s his style and he wants that everyone at Crystal Palace to know it off by heart. He wants them to live it and breathe it.

How will they set up against Arsenal? A midfield five again, or a 4-3-3? Slightly more conservative or with no fear as their position in the table is not under any serious threat?

It will be interesting to find out.