Mikel Arteta wants his Arsenal players to become his flexible friends this season.
The Gunners boss has a clear mission to change his starting line-ups, tactics and formations on a frequent basis.
Last season, Arsenal mounted a title challenge based on a settled line-up which carried them through most of the campaign with a 4-2-3-1 system.
READ MORE: Crystal Palace v Arsenal Premier League score predicted by simulation
This time Arteta has deliberately signed more versatile players in Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who can play different roles.
Arsenal started the campaign with effectively three at the back as Thomas Partey moved into midfield from right-back against Nottingham Forest as they knew the visitors would not have many attacking players on the pitch.
But against Crystal Palace tonight, they are certain to make changes again to cope with more of a threat from Roy Hodgson’s side.
Arteta said: “A lot has changed. The games are longer now, more minutes to play and how we start and finish the games will be critical so it’s something to bear in mind.
“I love it because it gives you more options, better players, more chances to do what you can when you have to change the game. We have to change things and we’re going to ask players to do it naturally, not to force it when you don’t really know when that fits.
“But teams in the Premier League, their managers and staff, after two or three games they know and they try to find a solution. But it’s not about the solution. It was more about us.”
Arsenal won at Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of last season and that win set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Arteta admits that he is hoping for the same outcome this time, although he expects a tough battle as he is a huge admirer of veteran Palace boss Roy Hodgson.
Arteta added: “They are extremely well organised, the results they have got, they have been really consistent, they don’t concede too much and it’s going to be a tough test for us.”
When is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal?Arsenal's trip to Selhurst Park will kick off at 8pm on Monday.
The Gunners beat Palace both home and away last season, securing a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park and a 4-1 win at the Emirates.
However, Palace are much improved under Hodgson, having lost just two league games since the start of April.
How to watch?The game will be available to watch live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 6:30pm.
Sky Sports' Main Event and Premier League channels will be showing the match.
You can subscribe to Sky Sports from €20 per month (for six months) here.
Is there a live stream?Yes, Sky Sports subscribers can stream the game to their devices via the Sky Go app. Alternatively, a Now TV day pass can be purchased here from €11.99.
Where else can I follow the action?You can keep up with all the action right here on Buzz.ie. We'll be running a live blog with all the pre-match build-up and team news, and every kick of the ball once the clash gets underway.
BettingArsenal - 18/11
Draw -13/5
Crystal Palace - 7/2
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