match preview

Arsenal v Crystal Palace

theguardian 

Arsène Wenger will be pleased by Tony Puliss sudden departure from Crystal Palace as he prepares to break Arsenals bad opening day result streak of three losses and one draw in the past four years. Key in this could be the Chile striker Alexis Sánchez, making his first competitive appearance. Brede Hangeland, also on debut, faces the challenge of stopping the ex-Barcelona man. Graham Searles

Kick-off Saturday 5.30pm

Venue Emirates Stadium

Last season Arsenal 2 C Palace 0

Live Sky Sports 1

Referee J Moss



Last season G35, Y105, R4, 3.23 cards per game

Odds H 3-10 A 12-1 D 5-1

Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Arsenal v Crystal Palace: probable starters in bold, contenders in light
Arsenal

Subs from Martínez, Rosicky, Monreal, Ox-Chamberlain, Flamini, Sanogo, Diaby, Coquelin, Campbell, Zelalem

Doubtful Koscielny (achilles)

Injured Mertesacker, Özil, Podolski (all match fitness, 16 Aug), Ospina (thigh, 31 Aug), Walcott (knee, Sep), Gnabry (knee, unknown), Miyaichi (hamstring, unknown)

Suspended None

Form -

Discipline Y0 R0

Top scorer (last season) Giroud 16

Crystal Palace

Subs from Hennessey, Kettings, Mariappa, Dann, McCarthy, Guedioura, OKeefe, Thomas, Gayle, Murray, Bannan, Garvan

Doubtful Delaney (knock), Mariappa (rib), Thomas (knock)

Injured Williams (thigh, unknown)

Suspended None

Form -

Discipline Y0 R0

Top scorers (last season) Gayle, Puncheon 7