3 Arsenal players who must start against Crystal Palace tonight

Tomas Rosicky

Wenger revealed during his Friday press conference that the Czech midfielder will be back in contention for Sunday’s clash, which provides the Arsenal boss with more options, centrally and on the flanks.

His all-action style will be vital to picking the locks in a Palace backline which has secured an impressive six clean sheets in all competitions since Pulis’ arrival, but Rosicky’s presence can provide Arsenal with the drive that was so sorely lacking – an Özil second-half surge aside – at Southampton.

The playmaker sustained a broken nose at Villa in the latest backs-against-the-wall style Arsenal victory of the season and his recent performance at Newcastle embodies the sort of campaign he is having, combining industry with craft to help his side in the sort of battles they have faced on the road all season and thereby preserving their status in the title race.

At St James’s Park, Rosicky completed two from as many take ons and registered 86% passing completion but also made two out of four tackles, contested three headed duels and made two interceptions.

Rosicky Pass Map vs Newcastle (A) – PL 2013/14

Rosicky can expect to be offered a more integral role, offensively, on Sunday but nevertheless, his constant hassling and harrying of opponents, as Danny Rose will attest, can unsettle opponents.

Rose was dispossessed on the halfway line by the ever-alert Rosicky who duly proceeded to sprint through to the Tottenham area and score a crucial second as the Gunners saw off their north London neighbours in the FA Cup third round.

Palace will set up to stifle Arsenal and exploit space on the counter, but Rosicky can be sure to have an impact at both ends.

Arsenal, despite their minor slip-up in the week, will be considered favourites to secure a win over the resurgent Eagles this weekend but they should be wary of the gameplan Pulis is sure to countenance in the hope of grabbing a shock result.

Stocking the midfield with this effervescent trio could be the perfect recipe to ensure there is no lingering hangover after a blip.