How Arsenal could line up against Crystal Palace

By Ben Knapton | 17 May 2021 13:13, Last updated: 25 Nov 2025 11:46

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has been ruled out of Wednesday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.

The right-back appeared to tweak a muscle when stretching to make a clearance in last week's win against Chelsea, and while his issue was not initially thought to be serious, he will not be available in midweek.

Meanwhile, David Luiz will not return and may have played his final game in red and white, while Granit Xhaka will hope to overcome a groin strain in time to feature.

Arteta opted for a three-man defence last week against Chelsea - which worked to perfection in a 1-0 win - but an expected switch to a 4-2-3-1 here could see Gabriel Magalhaes drop out once more.

Calum Chambers could also earn a recall at right-back with Bellerin out, allowing Bukayo Saka to venture further up the field after he struggled to impact the game as a wing-back in West London.

Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny should both keep Dani Ceballos out of the team following strong showings at Stamford Bridge, with Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard likely to continue in the number 10 role.

Another start for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would restrict Alexandre Lacazette to a substitute outing, while Emile Smith Rowe will aim to become the first player aged under 21 to score in three consecutive Premier League games for Arsenal since Cesc Fabregas in September 2007.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Chambers, Holding, Mari, Tierney; Partey, Elneny; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang

> Click here to see how Crystal Palace could line up for this clash