Arsenal have this season veered erratically between “oh Arsenaaaaal” (see: the recent 2-1 defeat against Harry Kane Tottenham Hotspur) and “oh! Arsenal!” (see: the brilliantly organised victory away at Manchester City), so much so that no one actually knows quite how good they are. At the moment, the league table says they’re good enough for fifth place, though they’re now just a point behind Southampton in the all-important final Champions League spot.
Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Arsenal will look to bolster their chances of Champions League qualification by beating Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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They'll be confident of their chances of overhauling the Saints this weekend -- or at least holding up their end of the bargain. That's because they're going up against Crystal Palace -- a side who may have impressed since Alan Pardew took charge, but one that still certainly hasn't escaped the relegation scrap. They'll certainly but up a fight, but it's unlikely to be enough.
Key player - Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
Olivier Giroud certainly isn’t a world class striker, but he’s playing better football at the moment than at any other point in his Arsenal career. His physicality enables Arsenal to play with variety, sometimes playing long balls from the back or crossing from deep. With the Gunners having been so predictable in their play in his injury-enforced absence earlier in the season, they’re now realising just what an asset he is.
Key matchup - Jason Puncheon vs. Nacho Monreal
One of Palace’s greatest counter-attacking threats is Jason Puncheon, whose pace and trickery in cutting in from the right flank was a key feature in their dramatic relegation survival last season. In this match he’ll be looking to get the better of Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal, who has never totally convinced since joining from Málaga a couple of years ago.
Crystal Palace injuries and suspensions
Out: Jerome Thomas (muscle), Yaya Sanogo (ineligible). In doubt: James McArthur (thigh), Lee Chung-yong (leg), Mile Jedinak (ankle).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Mikel Arteta (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf), Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin), Aaron Ramsey (hamstring). In doubt: Mathieu Flamini (hamstring), Héctor Bellerín, Jack Wilshere (ankle).
Crystal Palace will certainly be without Jerome Thomas and Yaya Sanogo, but of rather more concern to Alan Pardew will be the potential absences of first teamers James McArthur and Mile Jedinak, who are both doubtful. Arsenal still have a string of players unavailable (obviously), though Mathieu Flamini, Héctor Bellerín and Jack Wilshere should be close to returns from their respective problems.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Selhurst Park, London, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time, Directv (U.S.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.)
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