Calafiori starts, 7 big changes | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Crystal Palace with Rice decision made | OneFootball

Arsenal travel to Selhurst Park for today’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

The Gunners progressed to the last four of the Carabao Cup in midweek following an impressive 3-2 comeback win over the Eagles at the Emirates Stadium.

They face the same opposition on the road this evening. Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a big boost with Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori fit.

Arsenal have drawn their last two league games and can ill-afford to drop more points if they want to stay in the title race.

The Gunners are already six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Everton away from home.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya is an undisputed starter for the Gunners in the Premier League. He will be eyeing his seventh clean sheet of the campaign against the Eagles.

In the backline, there should be at least three changes. Calafiori will likely replace Kieran Tierney at left-back after recovering from a groin problem.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should be reinstated in the heart of the defence with Jakub Kiwior and Thomas Partey dropping to the bench.

Jurrien Timber, who played in central defence on Wednesday, should return to the right-back position where he has looked most comfortable.

In midfield, Rice is expected to replace Jorginho in the number six role after his return from injury.

The England international is likely to be partnered by Mikel Merino in the centre of the park.

Martin Odegaard was exceptional off the bench against Palace. He changed the complexion of the game with two brilliant assists for Gabriel Jesus.

The captain is expected to operate as the advanced central midfielder. He should replace Ethan Nwaneri, who had a tough outing in midweek.

In the final third, we expect two changes with Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard dropping out.

Sterling had a decent opening half against the Eagles, but he was poor after the interval. He squandered a golden chance to score from a Tierney cross.

Trossard had the better of teenager Caleb Kporha on occasions, but the Belgian could not find the final ball in the box to make a goal contribution.

We anticipate Gabriel Martinelli to get the nod on the left wing. Bukayo Saka, who bagged an assist off the bench in the Cup, is guaranteed to start on the right flank.

Up front, Jesus has secured his place on the back of his maiden Gunners hat-trick.

The Brazilian has had a confidence boost with an exceptional display and Arteta will be hoping that he can go on a scoring streak over the coming weeks.

How Arsenal could line up vs Crystal Palace

Stats from Transfermarkt.com