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No Ekitike no problem as wonder kid start for Liverpool Against Palace Read more for Team lineup

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Isak Could Start as Liverpool Face Palace Without Suspended Ekitike

Alexander Isak could return to Liverpool’s starting XI on Saturday when they travel to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Hugo Ekitike suspended.

Isak played the first half of Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton, marking the occasion with his first goal for the Reds. He was substituted at halftime for Ekitike, who later scored the decisive goal but was sent off for a second yellow card, ruling him out of this weekend’s Premier League fixture.

With Ekitike suspended, head coach Arne Slot was asked whether Isak is ready to start.


“He’s able to get minutes again,” Slot said. “I still think 90 minutes — depending on the pace and intensity — might be a bit too much. Not just for now, but also with the long term in mind. You could push him too far and risk injury.

“He’s deeper into his pre-season now, and normally after two or three weeks, players build up to 60–70 minutes. That’s usually our approach.”

On the injury front, Liverpool will be without defender Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a torn ACL during the Southampton match and is expected to be sidelined for up to a year.

“He’s obviously not in a good place,” Slot confirmed.


Palace Boosted by Sarr’s Return

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will have forward Ismaila Sarr available again after missing the last three matches with injury.

Manager Oliver Glasner said: “He’s trained fully all week, just like Adam [Wharton] and Eddie [Nketiah] did last week. We’ll assess the squad as usual, but he’s ready. Whether he can go the full 90, I’m not sure — it depends on how intense the match gets.”

Yeremy Pino, who was substituted at halftime last weekend against West Ham, is also fit and available.

“Pino had a bone bruise — knee-on-knee contact — which was painful, so he rested Tuesday. But he’s trained since Wednesday and feels fine,” Glasner added.

Palace remain without Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha, and Chadi Riad for the 3pm BST kickoff.

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Premier League Football

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

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At the moment, Martin Ødegaard is widely regarded as the best midfielder at Arsenal. The Norwegian captain has become the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s team, combining creativity, vision, and leadership to control games from midfield. His ability to dictate tempo, find pockets of space, and unlock defenses with precise passes makes him one of the Premier League’s most influential playmakers. Ødegaard’s intelligence on the ball and calmness under pressure allow Arsenal to transition smoothly from defense to attack.

 

Beyond his technical brilliance, Ødegaard also contributes defensively — pressing relentlessly and setting the tone for Arsenal’s high-intensity style. His work rate and tactical awareness have earned him praise from teammates and opponents alike. Since joining from Real Madrid, he has grown into a complete midfielder capable of both scoring and creating goals, often stepping up in crucial moments.

 

While players like Declan Rice bring strength and balance in defensive midfield and Kai Havertz adds versatility in attack, Ødegaard remains the creative engine that drives Arsenal forward. His consistency, leadership, and flair make him not just Arsenal’s best midfielder, but also one of the most technically gifted players in Europe right now.

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Premier League Football

Mikel Arteta starts a midfield of Ødegaard – Rice – Eze for the first time

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At the moment, Martin Ødegaard is widely regarded as the best midfielder at Arsenal. The Norwegian captain has become the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s team, combining creativity, vision, and leadership to control games from midfield. His ability to dictate tempo, find pockets of space, and unlock defenses with precise passes makes him one of the Premier League’s most influential playmakers. Ødegaard’s intelligence on the ball and calmness under pressure allow Arsenal to transition smoothly from defense to attack.

 

Beyond his technical brilliance, Ødegaard also contributes defensively — pressing relentlessly and setting the tone for Arsenal’s high-intensity style. His work rate and tactical awareness have earned him praise from teammates and opponents alike. Since joining from Real Madrid, he has grown into a complete midfielder capable of both scoring and creating goals, often stepping up in crucial moments.

 

While players like Declan Rice bring strength and balance in defensive midfield and Kai Havertz adds versatility in attack, Ødegaard remains the creative engine that drives Arsenal forward. His consistency, leadership, and flair make him not just Arsenal’s best midfielder, but also one of the most technically gifted players in Europe right now.

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Premier League Football

Mikel Arteta said West Ham won’t survive my master plan

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a strong and confident statement ahead of the clash with West Ham, declaring that the Hammers “won’t survive” his tactical master plan. Arteta’s comments reflect his belief in Arsenal’s preparation, discipline, and attacking quality as they aim to secure another crucial Premier League victory. The Gunners have been working tirelessly in training to perfect a new tactical setup designed to exploit West Ham’s weaknesses, particularly in midfield control and defensive transitions.

 

Arteta is expected to rely on the creativity of Martin Ødegaard and the pace of Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to break down West Ham’s compact defense. He has also placed emphasis on maintaining high pressing intensity and quick ball recovery to keep constant pressure on their opponents. Inside sources suggest that Arsenal’s strategy involves fluid attacking movements and defensive stability to dominate from start to finish. Arteta’s confidence has inspired the squad, who are eager to respond to West Ham’s earlier claim that they would “definitely win.” The Arsenal boss insists that his players are focused, motivated, and ready to execute his master plan — one he believes will leave West Ham with no chance of survival in this fierce London derby.

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