Crystal Palace are without Michael Olise for tonight’s Premier League opener against Arsenal at Selhurst Park.
Olise was one of the stars of Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge of the Eagles following his arrival from Championship side Reading 12 months ago.
However, he has not featured during pre-season because of a foot injury suffered while on international duty with the France Under-21s at the end of last term.
Vieira also has to make do without experienced duo James McArthur and James Tomkins for the visit of his former side, with the former missing because of a groin problem and Tomkins out with a calf issue.
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“Macca won’t be part of the squad tomorrow,” Vieira said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “Tonks has an issue with his calf so he is not going to get involved tomorrow - Michael is still a couple of weeks away.”
McArthur’s absence paves the way for summer signing Cheick Doucoure to make his full debut from the start, while Nathaniel Clyne is preferred to Joel Ward at right-back.
Up front, Wilfried Zaha will be looking to continue his strong pre-season form, while Odsonne Edouard starts through the middle.
Crystal Palace XI: Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Schlupp, Doucoure, Eze; Ayew, Edouard, Zaha.
Subs: Johnstone, Ward, Richards, Riedewald, Milivojevic, Hughes, Ebiowei, Mateta, Plange
