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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Crystal Palace: Is William Saliba fit?

By James Cormack

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: William Saliba of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Zed Jameson/MB Media/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: William Saliba of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Zed Jameson/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. 

The Gunners head into the weekend’s bout off the back of their disappointing Europa League exit at the hands of Sporting CP on penalties. While many supporters claim that the club’s early elimination will aid their title charge, it was still bitterly frustrating to depart from a very winnable competition prematurely.

Nevertheless, any discontent from Thursday night will quickly dissipate should Arsenal get the job done against a manager-less Palace on Sunday.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Crystal Palace

Mikel Arteta has a couple of fresh injury concerns to consider, and here’s the starting XI he could pick for the Eagles’ visit.

William Saliba was forced off in the first half against Sporting CP with a back injury. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
William Saliba was forced off in the first half against Sporting CP with a back injury. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Let’s hope Crystal Palace don’t get a penalty.

Ben White (RB) – It’s going to be White at right-back for the foreseeable after Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up a knee injury on Thursday. A duel with Wilfried Zaha awaits the Englishman this weekend.

William Saliba (CB) – Saliba’s back injury isn’t major and he’ll be assessed ahead of Sunday’s game. With the international break upcoming, I think Arteta will risk the Frenchman even if he isn’t 100% fit.

Gabriel (CB) – A shoo-in. Gabriel was once again among Arsenal’s standout performers in the week.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko had a bit of a mare over two legs against Sporting, and Kieran Tierney will certainly feel aggrieved at not getting on the pitch last time out. Nevertheless, Zinchenko will retain his spot in the XI this weekend.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey helped the Gunners gain some control against Sporting, but it wasn’t enough. Still, the Ghanaian remains a lynchpin in Arteta’s system and is a sure bet to start on Sunday.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka celebrated his uptick in form by scoring his first goal since mid-October on Thursday. Fatigue seems to be afraid of the Swiss midfielder, who will remain in Arteta’s midfield for Palace’s visit.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Injuries meant Odegaard had to wait until extra time to enter proceedings in the week. The Norwegian undoubtedly made a difference, and he should be pretty fresh for Sunday.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka finally earned a bit of respite in the week as he was named on the bench for the second leg against Sporting, but he still ended up playing close to an hour. It’s been a quiet couple of weeks for the England international.

Leandro Trossard (ST) – Gabriel Jesus is getting eased back into the fold and he’ll make another substitute appearance on Sunday. Trossard deserves to keep his place in the Premier League XI after his excellent display at Craven Cottage.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Reiss Nelson has done little to suggest he’s ready to compete with Martinelli for a starting berth in the wake of his Bournemouth heroics. The Brazilian will continue down Arsenal’s left.