FOOTBALL UPDATE

Premier League clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates. Arsenal:  Defenders Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal could make their first appearances of 2018 after shaking off injuries. German playmaker Mesut Ozil could return after a spell out with a knee problem, whilst youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to be fit despite suffering about of flu. Forward Alexis Sanchez will not be involved due to his imprending move to Manchester United. Crystal Palace: Defender Joel Ward is available once again after a month out with a groin problem, whilst midfielder Yohan Cabaye could feature after recoving from a knock. Ruben-Loftus Cheek is expected for an extended spell on the sidelines with an ankle problem, where he will be joined by Andros Townsend (also ankle), Mamadou Sakho (calf), Jordon Mutch, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jason Puncheon, Connor Wickham and Scott Dann (all knee). Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "I agree completely that 2018 until now has no...

Manchester City were finally stopped from winning thanks to an admirable performance from Crystal Palace who certainly did more than their bit to make it a great contest.Crystal Palace, the team who lost their seven opening matches of the campaign before stunning Chelsea in October, looked did just that at Selhurst Park against none other than unbeaten Premier League leaders Manchester City.  The battling hosts came away with a point, which could have just as easily been three had it not been for Ederson's heroics. Despite starting on the front foot, Pep Guardiola's men struggled to dismantle the organised defensive scheme laid out by Roy Hodgson. The Eagles threatened City in equal measure, defending deep in their own half but proving a menace on the break and bringing the game to life with relentless tempo. Clear openings came at a premium at either end even though Sergio Aguero's deflected shot bounced off the post midway through the first half. The Argentine ...

Kevin De Bruyne was carried off on a stretcher late in Manchester City's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, with Gabriel Jesus also leaving the pitch injured and in tears, Pep Guardiola later confirming the Brazilian would be out for one or two months. Belgium international De Bruyne, who has been instrumental to City's success this season, suffered the injury after a collision with Palace's Jason Puncheon in stoppage time at Selhurst Park.Earlier in the match, Jesus landed awkwardly, and had to be withdrawn.    He made his way to the dressing room in tears, consoled by City's medical staff."Jesus will be out for one or two months," Guardiola said to reporters in his post-match press conference."The second half was a little better than the first, but we had some small problems and in the end, Ederson helped us get a point."

Alexis Sanchez helped Arsenal to victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday, though Palace boss Roy Hodgson will have been pleased with his side's battling display. Palace went into the game looking to extend their eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and whilst they put in a spirited performance, they fell to a narrow defeat on a landmark night for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. Arsenal dominated the ball in the opening exchanges but they were unable to create any real openings. Granit Xhaka and Yohan Cabaye exchanged efforts from range, before the former saw a low effort hacked away following a cut-back from the left. Wilshere was the next to threaten with a low drive before Arsenal took the lead with 25 minutes on the clock. Palace failed to clear an Arsenal free kick and the ball fell nicely for Alexandre Lacazette to try his luck on goal. He hit a powerful effort towards the far corner and while Julian Speroni in the home goal managed to keep it...

We take a look ahead to today Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park.    Crystal Palace:  Striker Christian Benteke returns to contention after missing the draw with Swansea through suspension, but defender Mamadou Sakho remains unavailable with a calf strain, whilst Joel Ward is also struggling with a groin problem.    Arsenal:  Defender Nacho Monreal will miss the game after picking up an ankle injury against Liverpool, with the Spaniard expected to be out for 10 days. Striker Olivier Giroud is also out with a hamstring problem, though manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful he will return sooner than the initial four to six week prognosis. Finally, midfielder Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined with a hamstring complaint, but is expected to return in early January. Spanish schemer Santi Cazorla remains unavailable long-term.     Did you know?   Arsenal have lost just one of the la...