CRYSTAL PALACE can move four points away from the relegation zone with a win over inconsistent Arsenal – a feat that looked a long way off when they lost their first seven matches.
After an eight-game unbeaten run, the Eagles are up to 16th position going into a fixture they won 3-0 under Sam Allardyce last season.
RESULT :
ARSENAL 3-2 CRYSTAL PALACE
- Shkodran Mustafi 25′ ars
- Andros Townsend 49’cry
- Alexis Sanchez 62′, 66’ars
- James Tomkins cry
Champions League-chasing Arsenal face another key game in their festive fixture list on Thursday when they travel to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace.
The Gunners are currently sixth in the table, three points behind Tottenham and four away from Liverpool in fourth spot as they seek victory over Roy Hodgson’s improved side.
Arsenal were booed off at Selhurst Park last season as they lost 3-0 and saw their European aspirations dissipate amidst away supporters singing ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt.’
CRYSTAL PALACE TEAM NEWS
Palace boss Roy Hodgson has taken 18 points from 12 games to guide the Eagles to 16th place, just two points above the relegation zone after taking over with the side bottom of the table.
Christian Benteke returns for the game against Arsenal after he was suspended for the game with Swansea, but Mamadou Sakho misses out with a calf strain and Joel Ward is also a doubt with a groin problem.
James McArthur is the club’s top scorer with 4 goals to his name so far this season.