Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: History, Key Men, Team News and More

Selhurst Park is the venue for a clash on Monday night between two sides under a huge amount of pressure, with Crystal Palace playing host to Arsenal.

A win for the Eagles will ease their current relegation worries, but the Gunners will also be desperately looking for three points with the top four still an achievable goal for Arsene Wenger's men.

Classic Encounter

Arsenal 5-1 Crystal Palace

A match that looked like it could have thrown up a shock result was soon brought down to earth with a bump, as Arsenal scored three goals in seven minutes to dismantle a stubborn Crystal Palace. 

It was also a historic match for the Gunners, as they failed to name a British player in their 16-man squad for the first time in their history.

As was so often the case, goals from Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira put the game beyond the Eagles, who pulled one back through prolific striker Andrew Johnson. 

The result left Arsenal eleven points behind leaders Chelsea - a story that appears to be as relevant now as it was in 2005. 

Key Men

Christian Benteke

The big Belgian has been a talisman for the Eagles this year, scoring 11 goals in 28 appearances for the London club. His strength and power can cause even the best defenders a problem, and Benteke will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing an Arsenal defence currently low on confidence.

Alexis Sanchez

There has been much speculation about whether Sanchez will be an Arsenal player next season and the Gunners will be desperate to keep the Chilean, who has bagged 18 goals in 29 appearances this term. 

His work-rate and natural ability make him arguably one of the best players in the world, and the Arsenal faithful will be hugely disappointed should Sanchez decide to leave the Emirates behind in the summer.

Team News

Palace are missing a number of key players through injury, and Allardyce has made it clear that he will not risk players as we near the business end of the season. 

Ledley returns in midfield after the birth of his child, and Zaha and Townsend are likely to continue to be the men tasked with supplying Benteke from the wings.

Arsenal are likely to keep a similar team to the one that won 3-0 over West Ham on Wednesday. Emiliano Martinez will carry on in goal with Petr Cech and David Ospina both sidelined through injury. 

Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka could continue in the centre of the park after an impressive showing last time out. Welbeck's pace and power is likely to give him the nod over Olivier Giroud.

Predicted Lineups

Likely Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey; Ward, Kelly, Sakho, Schlupp, Ledley, Milivojevic, Puncheon, Zaha, Benteke, Townsend

Likely Arsenal XI: Martinez, Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Monreal, Xhaka, Elneny, Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck

Score Prediction

Expect Palace to come out fighting for their lives on Monday, but the Eagles are likely to feel the effects of missing key players. 

Arsenal showed a big improvement against West Ham on Wednesday night, and the Gunners will be keen to secure another victory to ensure they are still in the running for a Champions League place.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal