In the build up to the Premier League opener between Arsenal and Crystal Palace there have been some big decisions made. Firstly, the departure of Tony Pulis has left Crystal Palace without their saviour and also the man who has proven a thorn in Arsenal's side year on year. The other big decisions have been at the feet of Arsene Wenger, whose side have impressed hugely during pre season with the attacking talent at his disposal. Sanogo, Giroud, Sanchez and Akpom have all staked a serious claim for that starting berth, leading the Arsenal attack. Here is the Arsenal line up: Szczesny; Chambers, Debuchy, Gibbs, Koscielny; Arteta, Cazorla, Sánchez, Ramsey, Wilshere; Sanogo Subs: Rosicky, Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Monreal, Martinez, Coquelin, Campbell There will be certain amount of relief for Arsenal fans as Koscielny has shaken off an ankle injury and resumes his place at centre back with impressive debutant Calum Chambers. This moves Monreal to the bench which should settle any new season nerves. The big decision however, is that Sanogo starts up front. After netting 4 impressive goals against Benfica and looking lively against Manchester City, the young frenchman looks a completely different player when compared to his low confidence inspired outings last year. Giroud however, will likely make his 100th appearance for the Gunners from the bench, which he would certainly love to cap with a goal similar to that which he scored against Manchester City. Big signing Alexis Sanchez also makes his debut for the Gunners today, having not looked at his sharpest during pre season, he will still provide some much needed pace to the Arsenal attack and will make sure the Crystal Palace back line don't have any time in possession. The only other news for Arsenal is that the German World Cup winners are not ready for first team action yet, meaning that Arsenal finally look like they may have a squad with enough depth to challenge this year. Here is how Crystal Palace line up: Speroni; Hangeland, Ward, Kelly, Dann; Jedinak, Ledley, Puncheon, Bolasie; Chamakh, Campbell Subs: McCarthy, O'Keefe, Hennessey, Gayle, Murray, Bannan, Delaney The big news for Crystal Palace before the match was the news that Tony Pulis resigned as manager. Having taken the squad through pre season, leaving a couple of days before the season kicks off is certainly going to affect the morale and preparation of the players. This game will truly represent a make or break point in the player's season, and if Arsenal smell blood, it could prove to be a very long day at the Emirates. New boy, Martin Kelly, will feature for Palace, having only joined from Liverpool this week and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can gel with his new defensive teammates. The attacking threat posed by Crystal Palace is one that Arsenal will certainly have to be wary of. Chamakh will be keen to score against his old club, and the pace of Puncheon and Bolasie will make them very dangerous on the counterattack. Ex Dagenham and Redbridge striker, Dwight Gayle, warms the bench for today's game but if he is to make an appearance, his eye for goal and pace would make him a real danger man in the latter stages of the game. This game could be a very tense, tight affair if Crystal Palace have managed to regroup after losing their manager or it could be a goal glut fixture which would delight the Emirates faithful and really add some fire to Arsenal's title charge.
I have been described as a sportsman with the brain of an athlete and the body of a scientist. Since it was established that playing wouldn't work out for me I have taken to writing.
