Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Dwight Gayle out but Emmanuel Adebayor fit to play against former club

Crystal Palace will be without Dwight Gayle for the trip to Arsenal but Emmanuel Adebayor will be fit to face his former club.

Gayle, who has agreed a new long-term contract with the south-east London club, pulled up during the goalless draw with Everton on Wednesday (13 April) and was subbed off.

Palace boss Alan Pardew revealed at a press conference on Friday that injury is likely to rule the forward out for their next three games, but will be able to turn to both Adebayor and Connor Wickham. The latter made appearances off the bench against both Norwich City and Everton following an injury lay-off.

"Gayle won't make this game," Pardew told a press conference. "I don't actually think he'll make United. He is a possibility for the semi-final (against Watford).

"[Wilfried] Zaha is carrying a slight knock. Emmanuel Adebayor and Connor Wickham came through Wednesday OK. Macca [James McArthur] is training, he could get a bit of action against United."

Addressing Wickham's chances of playing at international level, Pardew said: "Connor has some great strikers in front of him [for England] and he hasn't had a run of games. It's been stop-start because of injury. If he can keep fit next season he could be great. He's shown the capabilities. He'll get some game time on Sunday."

Palace still need to consolidate their Premier League status after their wretched league form in 2016. Ahead of Saturday's trip to the Emirates, the club are just seven points clear of 17<sup>th-place Norwich City and 11 clear of Sunderland in 18<sup>th. Pardew is hopeful a positive performance against Arsene Wenger's side can spark the necessary push to secure survival.

"We gave a good account of ourselves against Arsenal at home, we need to try to get something. Arsenal have some great players. There have been some very tight games against them recently. The home game was very, very tight."