Arsenalvs.Crystal Palace

The former West Ham United man asked to come off in Saturday's 0-0 Premier League draw with Everton due to a niggle, and it would therefore be a shock to see him involved in the London derby.

Rice should join Ben White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and the cup-tied Neto on the sidelines, while the availability of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori remains clouded in uncertainty.

Arteta deployed Tommy Setford in goal for the fourth-round win over Preston North End, but David Raya may be given the nod versus Premier League opposition, as Jurrien Timber and William Saliba also reprise their defensive roles.

However, Jakub Kiwior for Gabriel Magalhaes is seemingly inevitable after the Brazilian's recent comeback from injury, and if Arteta decides that Myles Lewis-Skelly needs a break, Kieran Tierney could finally make his first appearance of the season.

Jorginho ought to operate in the deepest midfield position with Rice doubtful, and fans will no doubt be crying out for Ethan Nwaneri to start Wednesday's game, pleas that should not fall on deaf ears.

Arteta has spoken of his desire to give Raheem Sterling more minutes, and if the Spaniard is serious about doing so, he will promote the Chelsea loanee to an attacking trident likely also comprising Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Saka, Jesus, Sterling

Written by

Ben Knapton