The winning streak continues as Arsenal make it 11 in a row, across all competitions. With a further 3 wins, the club’s record of 14 straight wins in all competitions, which was set in 1987, can be matched. Sunday’s fixture against Crystal Palace will aid in extending this streak.

This is no small feat. Of the 3 games in question, Liverpool lie in wait as the biggest obstacle to this achievement. The question then is, “Can Emery and his Gunners overcome Klopp and his kop?”.

There is absolutely no doubt that the Londoners are on a run, built on the cohesion between team spirit and winning mentality. But to give a team like Liverpool a run for their money and possibly maintain their unbeaten streak, they need to start getting out of the blocks quickly.

One major flaw in the current Arsenal side is their penchant for starting games slow and in a dodgy manner. The biggest suspects are the central defenders who find it difficult to pass amongst each other when under pressure. Most culpable has been Sokratis Papasthadopolus, who tends to develop  the “rabbit in headlights” syndrome at such moments.

Furthermore, prolificacy tends to surface as well from unexpected quarters. A typical example of such was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s blanks from close range against Chelsea and Alexandre Lacazette’s against Leicester City.

Another point of consideration is the fact that the game will be played at the Emirates. This should provide Unai Emery’s side with some additional boost, as the Arsenal faithful have been nothing but united behind the team this season and have contributed to making the Emirates a fortress for some time now.

Let’s not put the cart before the horse anyway, as Palace are the imminent challenge to consider.

The home side are very likely to put up the same starting XI that have played together for most of the campaign.

Bernd Leno should retain his spot in between the posts despite Petr Cech’s return to full training from injury. There is simply no contesting his ability in protecting Arsenal’s rear guard.

Hector Bellerin will most likely retain his place as well ahead of Stephan Lichsteiner at right-back, while the two centre-back positions will be occupied by Rob Holding and Sokratis Papasthadopolus. It is possible Shkodran Mustafi starts ahead of Holding but it is unlikely.

Lastly, Nacho Monreal should hold the left-back position down as he as return fit from his injury to his hamstring.

In the middle of the park, Lucas Torriera, Granit Xhaka and Mesüt Özil should occupy the area, to make up the 3 starting midfielders.

Finally, the attacking trio of Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi and Lacazette should help secure all 3 points and maintain the winning streak.

Tactically, the home side will lineup in a 4-2-3-1 hybrid style of formation to tear the Eagles to shreds. However, being a London derby away from home, it isn’t going to be a walk in the park.

As the saying goes; “if it is works, there is no need to adjust.” Hence, I reckon Emery may not be changing much in the side.

Venue: Selhurst Park London

Time: 14:30GMT

Prediction: 0-4

Players to watch out for in Crystal Palace include; Wilfred Zaha, Andros Townsend and Luka Milivojevic.

Having lost their previous home game to Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have been quite a revelation this season, it is expected that Palace will be out to impress their home fans against.

Here is a link to catch up Emery’s pre-match press conference.

Sound bite of the day;

Are we Title Contenders?

“We are focused on Sunday…”