Premier League action heated up this Sunday with Arsenal hosting Crystal Palace and Aston Villa welcoming Manchester City, among other key fixtures.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
Arsenal aimed to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League as they hosted Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, boosted by their dominant 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League midweek, were keen to extend their lead over Sunderland.
Manager Mikel Arteta faced some concerns over the fitness of key players Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes leading up to the game. Gabriel had missed training due to a knock picked up against Atletico, but he was included in the starting XI. The Arsenal XI featured Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, and Trossard.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, were looking for a morale-boosting result after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to AEK Larnaca in the Conference League. Oliver Glasner's side has been underperforming in terms of expected goals, missing the most big chances in the league. Eberechi Eze, facing his former side, aimed to prove his worth against his old club. Glasner insisted there would be "no friendship" during the game.
Arsenal has won five of their last six Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace. However, the exception was a 2-2 draw in the exact same fixture last season.
Aston Villa vs. Manchester City
In another key match, Aston Villa hosted Manchester City at Villa Park. City, who beat Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League, were looking to maintain their momentum and keep pace with Arsenal in the title race.
Pep Guardiola was without the services of Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov due to injury. A late decision was made on Nico Gonzalez, who was included on the bench after recovering from a foot problem. The confirmed Man City XI was: Donnarumma, Nunes, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Reijnders, Bernardo (C), Bobb, Foden, Savinho, Haaland.
Unai Emery, the Aston Villa manager, was expected to make changes after their 2-1 loss to Go Ahead Eagles in Europe. Youri Tielemans remained sidelined with a calf injury, and Andres Garcia was also unavailable.
Man City knew that a win against Villa was crucial to keep within touching distance of league leaders Arsenal. Erling Haaland, in exceptional form with 11 league goals already, was expected to lead the City attack. City had been winless in their last three visits to Villa Park. Last December, Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1.
