Arsenal V Crystal Palace - Preview and possible lineups

Arsenal: Defenders Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal could make their first appearances of 2018 after shaking off injuries. German playmaker Mesut Ozil could return after a spell out with a knee problem, whilst youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to be fit despite suffering about of flu. Forward Alexis Sanchez will not be involved due to his imprending move to Manchester United.

Crystal Palace: Defender Joel Ward is available once again after a month out with a groin problem, whilst midfielder Yohan Cabaye could feature after recoving from a knock. Ruben-Loftus Cheek is expected for an extended spell on the sidelines with an ankle problem, where he will be joined by Andros Townsend (also ankle), Mamadou Sakho (calf), Jordon Mutch, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jason Puncheon, Connor Wickham and Scott Dann (all knee). 

The thoughts of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:

 "I agree completely that 2018 until now has not been very positive, but I am long enough in the job to know that what is important is how we respond to it and to focus on the performance.

"My personal situation is a bit secondary to all of that, what is important is how the team responds and what we make of 2018.

"We have to very quickly get over this transfer period because, for us especially, this period has been more disturbing than ever. We have such influential players close to the end of their contracts and it has been more destabilising than ever."

The thoughts of Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson:

"The fact is we're still in a relegation battle. We're not alone now, we're a little bit less isolated than we were some weeks and months ago and we're happy, of course, about that.

"But we're still in a bigger group of teams now who must be aware that unless they can keep their form going, unless they can keep points coming in, unless they can keep performances at the very highest level, they're going to be involved in a scrap to stay in the league right to the end."

Did you know?

Palace's 3-0 win over the 'Gunners' at Selhurst Park last season is their only victory in the last 16 league and cup meetings between the two sides (W1, D4, L11).

Form:

Possible lineups:

Arsenal: Cech, Chambers, Koscielny, Mustafi, Bellerin, Wilshere, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Ozil, Ramsey, Lacazette.

Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Fosu-Mensah, Kelly, Tomkins, Van Aanholt, Milivojevic, Riedewald, McArthur, Zaha, Benteke, Sako.