Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson admits he is wary of Arsenal’s ‘very dangerous’ attack as he prepares to take his side to the Emirates this weekend.
The Eagles travel to face their London rivals on Sunday looking to bounce back from last weekend’s home defeat to Manchester City, with Hodgson wary of the threat posed by Arsenal’s forward options.
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has begun the new season in similarly prolific form, netting seven league goals already, whilst fellow forward Alexandre Lacazette returned from injury for Arsenal‘s midweek Europa League victory over Vitoria Guimaraes.
Despite a largely positive start to the season Arsenal slipped out of the Premier League‘s top four following Monday night’s defeat at Sheffield United, though Hodgson is expecting a difficult encounter when his side take the short trip to North London.
“Arsenal have had a very good start to the season. Their attack is very, very dangerous.”
? Roy on the honorary doctorate: “I am very pleased and proud. The only shame was I had to give the gown and cap back!”
? https://t.co/TTogt6KZzQ
? Official club app#CPFC pic.twitter.com/yKSN0QFPy6— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 25, 2019
Hodgson’s side have enjoyed a positive start to the new season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League, one position below this weekend’s opponents who they will go above with victory.
The Crystal Palace boss believes his side are one of a number of sides who could gatecrash the top six this season, should one of the division’s elite “slip up”.
“There’s quite a few teams this season who are able and are waiting for someone in the regular top six to slip up.”
Hodgson also admitted that Vicente Guaita and Martin Kelly in contention to return, the duo having missed the defeat to City at Selhurst Park with respective groin injuries.
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