please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Venue: Emirates Stadium Saturday, 16 August 2014 KO Time: 17:30 BST please log in to view this image Head to Head Against Crystal Palace: Played: 32 Wins: 21 Draws: 9 Losses: 2 Goals For: 68 Goals Against: 24 Goal Difference: 44 Last 6 Meetings: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal Arsenal 5-1 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal (FA Cup) Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace please log in to view this image Starting XI: please log in to view this image Bench: Martinez Monreal (53) Oxlade-Chamberlain (69) Coquelin Campbell Rosicky Giroud (62) Match Preview: Arsenal are set to open up their 2014/2015 Premier League campaign against a tricky opponents, Crystal Palace. Buoyed by their summer signings and a recent 3-0 FA Community Shield victory over Manchester City, the Gunners will be looking to claim the 3 points at home and avoid a disastrous opening day loss like they did last season. Meanwhile Crystal Palace themselves will be looking to spoil the Gunner's jovial mood. Undergoing a renaissance under Tony Pulis, a manager who Gunners are very familiar with, Palace went from relegation certainties to comfortably mid-table while claiming many scalps along the way, and the Eagles will be looking to add Arsenal to that list. While Arsenal's German contingent will still be lacking the match fitness to make this fixture, as well as Theo Walcott still being in recovery, Palace can boast a fully fit squad. Both teams have plenty of firepower to dish out, with Palace needing to worry about Arsenal's newly found threat on the counter in the form on new signing Alexis Sanchez. It should be an intriguing, hard fought contest between the two sides. Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace Final Score: Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace please log in to view this image
I thought Sanchez (or is that Alexis?) looked very threatening on the right against Man C, and in the 1st half was the focal point for most of our attacks. Am excited to see what he'll be able to do with another week to improve fitness under his belt. (Unless Pulis sends some neanderthal to chop him down and break his leg for him...)
I think it's far more likely that Wilshere will start in the AMC role with Cazorla out left. Oxo is still going to be an impact sub.
I thought Tony Pulis was a bit defeatist when he was asked about this game after the community shield. He basically said 'Arsenal are expected to win, but we'll turn up and give it a go'. If I was an oppo manager, I'd be telling my team that they had every chance, it's eleven v eleven and to try and disrupt us, but I got the sense that if Palace went one down then we could end up battering them. I think we'll win this one and I think we'll win it comfortably. I'll predict on the prediction thread
Sanogo was poor while Giroud came on and put in a decent performance (and a top quality goal). He should start. --------------------Sczezney----------------------- Debauchy----Chambers-----Koscisleny-----Gibbs ------------Arteta-----------Ramsey--------------- --------------------Wilshere------------------------ --Sanchez----------Giroud--------------Carzorla--
I think f giroud is fit he will play but if he isn't quite ready yet Sanogo will get the nod. Otherwise I think you've probably gone for the line up wenger will.
The danger is that while Pellegrini kept trying to push his men forward, Pulis will have his guys sit back. It's going to be far harder to create opening against Palace than City. This match could weirdly end up being much more challenging than the Shield. An early goal is a necessity.
Nice for a first matchday thread I think we'll edge it. Can you imagine TP telling his players to go out "and see what happens". No chance. 1-0 for me.
Would like Oxo to start but I think you're right, he will come off the bench for the last 20-30 mins. Hope he gets more game time this year, but places are limited and he needs to prove his worth
