Alexis Sanchez starts for Arsenal in their Premier League trip to Crystal Palace this afternoon.
The Chilean, who was granted an extended summer break after his Copa America exploits, returns in one of two changes for the Gunners from their disappointing 2-0 home defeat to West Ham United.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the match-winner against Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley a fortnight ago, is the player sacrificed from the attacking-midfield three to accommodate Sanchez, who scored 25 goals in all competitions in his debut season at the Emirates Stadium.
Hector Bellerin is also recalled at right-back in place of Mathieu Debuchy after recovering from a minor muscle strain. Petr Cech unsurprisingly retains his place in goal despite his opening-weekend gaffes, while Olivier Giroud is once again preferred to Theo Walcott as the lone striker.
Here is your @Arsenal team for #CPFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/XuNtSw4wsF
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 16, 2015
Palace, who beat Norwich City 3-1 last Saturday, also make two changes as Connor Wickham is handed his full debut up front and Yannick Bolasie returns to provide pace and flair on the wing. Glenn Murray and Jordon Mutch drop to the bench. Former Arsenal transfer target Yohan Cabaye starts in midfield for the Eagles, who are looking for their first win over the Gunners since 1994.
#CPFC XI versus @Arsenal. What do you think of the Eagles starting line up? #CRYARS pic.twitter.com/VmqlzaBOXA
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) August 16, 2015
SEE MORE:
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal preview: Sanchez to start, key trio injured, Cech out to respond
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