Arsenal vs Blackpool: 5 key players to kickstart FA Cup campaign

2. Bukayo Saka

Given how hectic the December fixture list was, and how much was asked of the available senior players, I would be surprised, and a bit bothered, really, if Unai Emery didn’t given them all a break against Blackpool in the FA Cup – at least as many as he can spare. They were all out there on New Years Day, they looked tired, they need a break.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Which would ideally mean that, given the lesser competition and this need for a break, that we will see at least a spattering of youth players, namely Bukayo Saka, who has asserted himself into the picture pretty conclusively.

Saka has been a regular on the Premier League bench, and was nearly called upon against Fulham had the match not gotten so nervy.

Unai Emery is clearly seeing a lot of what he wants out of Saka, hence his continued appearance on the cusp of the first team, and that will ideally translate into consistent appearances in the FA Cup, particularly early on, before the competition heats up.

Saka showcased some amazing ability in the League Cup, and I think it’s safe to say we all want to see more of that as soon as possible. Which happens to coincide nicely with the emergence of the FA Cup.

Finally, No. 1.