Afternoon all. So, the Premier League appears to be sorting itself out: the big and rich kids win more or less every time, there are just six of them rather than the four there were previously. And Arsenal need a win today, with Spurs and Manchester United on their heels but Manchester City in their sights. But then again so do Crystal Palace, whose new manager has had dealings with them before. This could get revitalisingly messy.
Premier League / Matchday 19
Emirates Stadium / 01.01.2017
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Updated 01/01/2017 at 17:51 GMT
15:57
And here they come...
15:51
Souness does, though, like Wilfried Zaha - "there's a real player in there". I concur, as did Alex Ferguson. Luckily, David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were there to set him straight.
15:47
"When the game turns, get to the ball first," says Graeme Souness with menace, delivering his usual withering assessment of Arsenal's title chances. At least this season, they'll be spared the misery of hope, thanks to Chelsea's absurd run. Lucky them!
15:45
He also talks about exploiting Arsenal if they over-extend, as they sometimes do at home. He doesn't say that there is a dodgy defence.
15:44
ASllardyce says that Palace had no choice but to play Tomkins, who should be just about fit. And their only remaining defender, Zeke Friers, injured himself in the warm-up.
15:39
I ca confirm that it's been raining all day in north London, quite heavily in parts. People seem to want to talk about this.
15:36
15:35
Course you were sweetheart.
15:34
15:32
Palace make one change - Tomkins comes in for the suspended Delaney. The notation offered by their Twitter suggests a Christmas tree, with Townsend and Zaha behind Benteke, but presumably they'll be either side. If they can defend properly, they've a decent chance of getting something out of this game, because they've the attackers to give any team aggravation.
15:27
Mesut Ozil is ill, so doesn't play. Alexis Sanchez is bionic, so does - presumably he'll get a rest at the weekend. Otherwise, Lucas and Iwobi play on the wings and Grioud keeps his place, as he should. He isn't what the first-choice striker of champions looks like, but he's a very useful option and one who needs to be kept happy with enough games. Should he ever leave, chances a less good player would replace him.
15:24
Oh I say!
15:23
15:21
Typically Allardycian display from Palace. No frills here.
15:19
So, some teams. Consider me relieved.