It has already been a great weekend for Arsenal fans, with both Manchester United and Chelsea dropping points on Saturday. The Gunners have the opportunity to capitalise on the errors made by the teams around them in the table, when they head across London to face Crystal Palace on Monday night.
With a win, the north London side can go within two points of Chelsea, who sit one place above them in third. A win would also slightly ease the pressure that they'll be feeling from teams such as Tottenham and West Ham,, who are eagerly waiting for the teams above them to slip up.
Meanwhile, Palace are looking to build upon their already impressive first season under the stewardship of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
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Team news
The Gunners are once again set to be without in-form goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is still recovering from an abdominal strain that he picked up a few weeks ago.
Despite Ramsdale's likely omission from the match-day squad, Arsenal fans will be confident that ex-first choice 'keeper Bernd Leno will be a worthy replacement. The German stopper has looked as reliable as ever whenever he has been called upon this season.
Monday night's fixture could be the game where we see the return of right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been nursing a calf injury for a while now.
The 23-year-old had been proving his quality prior to being sidelined, showing himself to be perfectly comfortable in the Premier League, having moved from Italy only last year.
Bukayo Saka may also be in contention for Monday night's game, despite his recent positive COVID test, a huge boost for the visitors.
The 20-year-old was on international duty when testing positive; he didn't have a chance to represent his country over the break, but Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the youngster feels up to scratch heading into the tie at Selhurst Park.
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Ones to watch
Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli has become an important component of this Arsenal side in the past few months, stepping into the fold in replacement of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left in January for Barcelona.
Occupying the attacking role on the left-hand-side of the Gunners attack, the dynamic forward has been causing problems for left-backs up and down the country since his arrival back into the first team.
There's just something special about him, isn't there? One of those players that can immediately put you on the edge of your seat with a piece of skill, or a neat first-touch, he makes it all look so easy.
Not only has he thrilled the Arsenal faithful with his trickery on the ball, but his finishing and keen eye for goal-scoring opportunities have been equally as impressive. Coming up against Palace on Monday will be a great opportunity for the 20-year-old to further prove his quality and solidify his place in the starting lineup.
Alexandre Lacazette is another player to keep an eye on. Having been at the Emirates since 2017, the Frenchman is now considered to be one of the elder statesmen in north London. While age may have slowed him down a touch, the 31-year-old's experience is proving instrumental to the Gunners' success.
Lacazette may not be scoring many goals, but his value is measured far beyond that, as his role sees him occupy a position between the lines, linking play between the midfield and the two dynamic wingers either side of him.
Since Aubameyang departed for Spain, Lacazette has stepped into the captain's role at the club, taking it on impressively in his stride. His leadership skills and performances on the pitch have impressed supporters and pundits alike, and it is suffice to say that he will be a crucial figure in the Arsenal dressing room as the season reaches its pointed end.
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Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Leno; Cedric, White, Gabriel; Tierney, Xhaka, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Saka, Lacazette
Crystal Palace: Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyate, Schlupp; Ayew, Mateta, Eze
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Kick-off time and how to watch
The game is scheduled to kick at 8pm on Monday 4th April 2022. It will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HD