Crystal Palace and Arsenal will kick off the 30th edition of the Premier League, and with Patrick Vieira’s side having picked up four points from six last season this one promises to be another thunder of game.
Arsenal have the better head-to-head, but last season showed that Palace can hold their own against some of the very best teams, with the Eagles going unbeaten in their last six home games.
It’s more impressive if you consider the fact that they hosted Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United in that period.
Both teams have strengthened, and Arsenal will be particularly eager to impress having put 10 goals past Chelsea and Sevilla in preseason.
The Gunners will also be wary of the fact that the last time they visited Selhurst Park under the lights, their Champions League hopes suffered a battering and they lost Thomas Partey to season-ending injury.
So there is all to play for even at the very dawn of the new season, where players are not at the sharpest.
Palace have a few injury issues, with James Tomkins, Michael Olise and James McArthur all missing for this one.
“I don’t think the pressure will be more on their side than our side. We’re at home, want to do well and want to compete,” Vieira told the press ahead of Arsenal.
“It’s the first game of the season so both teams will compete to win the game. We will play with a lot of determination, desire, compete as best we can and of course try to win the game.”
Vieira has some big decisions to make, notably at right back, between Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne, and who will replace Conor Gallagher in the centre of midfielder
But up front is where he will have to make a major call, whether to stick with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was first choice at the end of last season, or Odsonne Edouard, who was on fire after his move from Celtic.
So with everyone looking forward to this game, here is how we expect the Eagles to line-up.
1. Vicente Guaita
The first choice from last season and he will likely start this one in post too, with new signing Sam Johnstone and Jack Butland not fully fit. (All pictures Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
2. Nathaniel Clyne
Massive turn around for his career and it’s fair to say he has made the right back his own at the moment. | Getty Images
3. Joachim Andersen
Andersen has been very good and he will look to continue that this season. | Getty Images
4. Marc Guehi
Has been one of the best in his age group and his form last season was rewarded with an England cap, so it will be interesting to see his form this season. | Getty Images