North London faces South London as Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates.
The Eagles have got off to a solid start to the season, currently sitting in fifth place. Palace are one point off their opposition in this fixture, and will be looking to leapfrog over the Gunners with a win.
Palace owe their defence huge credit for their strong start to the season. Conceding only ten goals in their nine games, Palace have been disciplined and compact at the back, and have become a surprise package in the Premier League.
However, a concern for Palace will be at the other end of the pitch, as they lack a clinical edge. The Eagles have only scored eight goals, and are in need of a number nine who can finish chances that are created.
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United, and get back into contention around the top of the table.
A comeback on Thursday against Vitória de Guimarães will boost some confidence, but Unai Emery’s side will know that Palace will be a difficult obstacle.
A strong positive for Arsenal coming into this game will be that they are on a five game winning streak at home in all competitions, and will hope to make it six on Sunday.
Unai Emery vs Roy Hodgson
Emery has got some stick from Arsenal fans this season, however he has shown that he does have the typical ‘Arsenal way of playing football’. Emery likes to dominate possession and likes to pass the ball around the pitch, tiring out the opposition. However, he may find difficulty getting things go his way in this fixture as Hodgson will look to frustrate Arsenal and disrupt their tempo. Hodgson likes to play compact in midfield and defence, looking to cramp space, which consequently makes it difficult to get a string of passess going. Also, Emery’s men can expect a barrage of tackles and a physical game, as Hodgson will look to get on the front foot and not allow Arsenal to get into their flow.
Alexandre Lacazette vs Gary Cahill
Lacazette returns from injury and will looking to prove a point of his return in this fixture. The Frenchman is strong, so will be ready for the physical challenge this game will bring. Also, by playing as the anchor, Lacazette will look to get the rest of his teammates involved in attacking plays as he looks to hold up the ball. This is crucial, as Palace like to play contact, and by shielding off defenders, Lacazette can create space for his teammates to occupy. In his way is the very experienced Cahill. Cahill has lead by example this season and he will be key for his side in this fixture. He will be have to make sure his teammates are alert and remain in their shape in order to thwart the Gunners.
Nicolas Pépé vs Patrick van Aanholt
Pépé has seemed to not grasp the pace and intensity of the Premier League yet, but has a good opportunity to prove his worth against a stubborn Palace side. The Ivorian would have got a desperately needed confidence boost on Thursday, where he helped his side to a last gasp win against Vitória de Guimarães with two goals. He will come up against van Aanholt who will look to get stuck into the Ivorian winger. Pépé will look to utilise the space he may get in behind, as van Aanholt likes to join the attack, having scored twice already this season. But, van Aanholt will need to be disciplined and not give Pépé too much time on the ball, as he can hit the ball very true, and will take no invitations to shoot on sight.
David Luiz vs Wilfried Zaha
Zaha is arguably Palace’s most creative player, and most of the Eagles’ attacks will come from the Ivorian. Zaha epitomises confidence on the ball, and will look to attack the vulnerable Arsenal defence. Quick and with very fast feet, Zaha attracts a plethora of fouls. This will raise attention on Arsenal’s centre-half David Luiz, who is notorious for being ill-disciplined. The Brazilian will have to be careful not to stick a leg out, and will need to be more conservative with his tackling. Zaha could use this indecision Luiz will face to directly challenge him, and put him under pressure by directling dribbling towards the Brazilian.