PREM: Arsenal v Crystal Palace preview

Arsenal v Crystal Palace preview

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce is looking for his first win in charge of the club against fourth-placed Arsenal.

Sam Allardyce took over from Alan Pardew before Christmas but ended 2016 with a 1-1 draw at Watford.

Arsenal have faltered in recent weeks after a strong period in the run up to the festive fixtures, needing a late winner from Olivier Giroud to beat West Brom 1-0 following defeats to Everton and Manchester City.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not surprised Crystal Palace brought in Allardyce because of the ex-England manager's "quality and experience".

"The position in the Premier League has become vital for everybody to stay in the league," Wenger said in his pre-match press conference.

"It has become an extremely big problem for everybody and when teams look for managers he was one out there who had the experience and the quality."

Theo Walcott is ruled out for Arsenal as he has a small calf injury, while reported Palace target Kieran Gibbs is also unavailable with a knee injury.

Shkodran Mustafi is fit and available following a hamstring injury and Danny Welbeck's return from a long-term knee problem is progressing well.

Damien Delaney is suspended for Crystal Palace's trip to north London.

But fellow defender James Tomkins could return after a thigh injury while midfielders James McArthur and Joe Ledley are also back in contention.

Striker Loic Remy has resumed training but needs a couple of reserve matches before he is considered, while Connor Wickham, Bakary Sako, Pape Souare and Steve Mandanda remain long-term absentees.