ARSENAL return from their Dubai warm-training camp in more need of hot form than ever.
The Gunners host Crystal Palace in lunch time's London derby after falling from top to fourth in the Premier League with three straight defeats.
Mikel Arteta's men followed two Prem losses in a row with last Sunday's 2-0 home FA Cup exit against Liverpool.
But victory over Palace would see the Gunners join Aston Villa and Manchester City on 43 points - albeit still two points below Jurgen Klopp's leaders.
Arsenal beat Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park back in August following a dramatic second half.
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Eagles' keeper Sam Johnstone upended Eddie Nketiah for Martin Odegaard to tuck home the Gunners' 54th minute penalty winner.
But Arsenal had to cling on once Takehiro Tomiyasu saw red for two controversial bookings.
The Japanese defender earned his first yellow over a throw-in and his second for a soft foul on Jordan Ayew.
Meanwhile, Palace can embed themselves in mid-table should they pick up three points this weekend.
But even with London pride at stake, the Gunners' desire to bounce back and their extra need for points could shape this contest.
That's especially so as record signing Declan Rice recently blasted his team for "letting ourselves and our fans down".
And strikers such as Gabriel Jesus and Nketiah know more repeats of their recent iffy finishing will surely make a new frontman a priority for Arteta.
What is the team news?
Tomiyasu and fringe man Mo Elneny are both away on international duty but more worrying for Arsenal is the expected absence in midfield of Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira.
Partey hopes to return within a fortnight following his thigh problem, with Vieira's groin issue tipped to keep him out until February.
And there could an intriguing chance at left-back for Jakub Kiwior - normally a central defender - despite his FA Cup own-goal woe against Liverpool last weekend.
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That's because Jurrien Timber is only just returning to individual ball-work after his ACL injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko is a doubt for Saturday due to a calf problem.
Jesus hopes to get the nod up front against Palace, having trained fully in Dubai after a nagging knee issue kept him out of the Liverpool defeat.
But two Eagles' players for whom facing Arsenal would be a massive deal for contrasting reasons are both crocked.
Ex-Gunners' defender Rob Holding misses out with an ankle injury.
And winger Michael Olise - reportedly being trailed by the Gunners as well as Manchester United - has thigh trouble.
Fellow Eagles' wideman Jordan Ayew is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana.
Cheick Doucoure (Achilles), Nathan Ferguson (muscle), and No1 Johnstone (calf) are also unavailable.
When is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
- Arsenal's London derby against Crystal Palace will take place on TODAY, Saturday, January 20.
- It is scheduled to kick-off at 12:30pm GMT.
- Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,704.
- Martin Odegaard fired ten-men Arsenal to a 1-0 win when the sides last met in August.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Arsenal vs Crystal Palace will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 11am GMT - one hour and a half before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the action on discovery+
- Alternatively, follow the entire match through SunSport's live blog.
What are the odds?
- Arsenal to win 2/7
- Draw 4/1
- Palace to win 17/2
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication
