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Arsenal host Crystal Palace in London Derby

credit - @Arsenal

Arsenal will look to bounce back from their defeat on Monday night against Sheffield United with a home victory over Crystal Palace.

The Gunners dropped down to fifth after the disappointing defeat at Bramall Lane with manager Unai Emery coming under heavy criticism from the fans. However, the Gunners bounced back against Vitoria thanks to a brace of freekicks from £72 million signing Nicolas Pepe in a 3-2 win.

Manager Unai Emery has backed the Ivorian to kickstart his Arsenal career.

“On the pitch he is feeling better. On Thursday to play 20 minutes, scoring two goals and help us win the game is important for him and for us. Hopefully in training on Saturday and in the game on Sunday he can keep moving ahead.

“He needs to take the confidence from training, he needs to feel comfortable with his team-mates and also feel comfortable living in London with his family”

Crystal Palace will look to continue their impressive start to the season by winning at a ground where they took all three point back in April. The Eagles have picked up an impressive 14 points from their opening nine games and sit just behind the Gunners in sixth place. Palace lost in their last outing 2-0 against defending champions Manchester City and will look to put that behind them.

Roy Hodgson has expressed his delight with his highflying side.

“The fact we are close to them at this moment in time is something which I’m very pleased about, and I’m very happy to have that many points in the bag.

“But I really don’t see where you are in relation to other teams in November has got a great deal of relevance when it comes to discussing what the season is going to be like. It is how close you are in May, that is the thing that matters, and we are fully aware of that.”

Team news:

Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson is still unavailable for selection as he’s nursing a knee injury. However, the Gunners have the rest of the squad available for selection.

Crystal Palace could have Vicente Guaita available between the sticks having missed the trip to the Etihad with a groin problem. Defender Martin Kelly trained with the side all week and should be available again.