UK - January 14 - 8:00pm: vs Crystal Palace (Premier League) - SkySports USA - January 14 - 3:00pm: vs Crystal Palace (Premier League) - NBCSN CAN - January 14 - 3:00pm: vs Crystal Palace (Premier League) - DAZN AUS - January 15 - 7:00am: vs Crystal Palace (Premier League) - Optus Sports Going into extra time wasn't ideal, and losing Martinelli in the warm up was especially not ideal, but we get the win and progress further into the FA Cup. Which, considering our early season form, is probably our best chance of getting into Europe this season. We come up against a Palace team that aren't in great form, but did get a win V Sheffield United. Not that its much to gloat about. For us its about banking wins. In the last 5 games we are 3 wins a loss and a draw. We have Palace, then Newcastle (15th), Southampton (6th), Man United (2nd), Wolves (13th), Villa (8th), Leeds (12th), Man City (5th) then Leicester (3rd) to wind up February. I think we roll Crystal Palace 3-1, with goals to Saka, Auba and Laca. COME ON ARSENAL!
We didn't play that well yesterday until Smith-Rowe came on, a better team would have been in front, though we may have played a stronger team, who knows. Anyway, one game at a time, we should win this though as Palace, who have had some good results this season seem to have lost it.
Heads up, probably won't affect this match but I heard on the rdadio that elite sport is being scrutinised by ministers to determine if it could go ahead as too many footballers are flouting the rules and testing positive for Covid.
https://www.arsenal.com/news/team-news-positive-news-martinelli-and-more Martinelli back in training. Great news. He is available for this match. Don't bring him in too soon!
That's GREAT new about Gabi! Having watched the replay at the time I must say it didn't look too major to me. But when reports of him in tears and then MA8 saying "it doesn't look good" I started to worry. Phew. But give him a rest for this match I'd say. Partey seems to be slowly inching his way back, and if they're being extra cautious that's wise, given the type of injury. Didn't Rambo have recurring thigh strains for years?
Rather start with Auba with Martinelli on bench. Hopefully the goal over weekend spark Auba back to form. Auba saved our arse these last two season...if we are to get anything out of this season, we need him back in form and scoring again. Don’t rush martinelli back too soon.
Martinelli isn’t available. He’s expected to return to training ‘in the next few days’ (according to today’s medical update), and may be available for Newcastle on Monday.
I mostly like the team selection. I'd be interested in seeing what Saka, ESR, and Pepe can do on the pitch at the same time.
Tierney not even on the bench. I hope he's not injured, he does need a rest though. Tight calf so rested as a precaution.
15 minutes in, still 0-0. ESR looking very good, and I bet he scores or leads to a goal with his play.