Flamini has been one of the unsung heroes this campaign whilst all the plaudits have been heading towards Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil.

Ramsey and Ozil have been scintillating recently but Flamini has been the experienced head that has added some much needed security to Arsenal's defensive unit.

Flamini missed Arsenal's midweek defeat at the Emirates, a defeat that while a bit disheartening, can still be a source of optimism going forward. The Frenchman was missed for the Gunners, who looked a little open at the back without a recognised defensive midfielder.

A few eyebrows were raised when Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger punted for Flamini on a free to solve their defensive midfield problem, but Wenger should be commended for this, not many expected Flamini to produce the solid performances thathe has, there may even be cause to argue he has been even better in his second spell at the club.

Arsenal travel to Selhurst Park with the hosts Crystal Palace in a bit of disarray.

After the departure of media favourite Ian Holloway in the week, caretaker manager Keith Millen steps in to an unfavourable situation, with the Eagles needing nothing less than three points and Arsenal looking to bounce back. One saving grace for Millen is that his Palace squad have no fresh injury concerns, with only captain Paddy McCarthy and Glenn Murray expected to be sidelined.

In addition to Flamini's return, Jack Wilshere will have a late fitness test to see if he has recovered from the ankle knock he picked up in the defeat to Dortmund. Other