4 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

  • Gunners host Palace at Emirates Stadium
  • Rotation likely with Saka rested
  • Final London derby of season
Arsenal are aiming to delay Liverpool's title party
Arsenal are aiming to delay Liverpool's title party | Justin Setterfield/GettyImages
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2. Saka has to be protected

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Saka escaped injury against Ipswich | BEN STANSALL/GettyImages

Arsenal fans were craving Bukayo Saka's return from injury as soon as he was ruled out in December and now that he is fully back, he must be protected from being put back in the medical room during the clash with Palace.

The winger was subject to a reckless tackle by Leif Davis against Ipswich and was lucky to escape without a bad injury. The left-back was given his marching orders for a challenge that could have snapped Saka's Achilles.

Saka has often been a target of frequent fouling, drawing 35 in the Premier League this season despite being absent for four months. That could be the case against Palace and with this tie not being particularly important, it presents Arteta a chance to protect his star player in order to ensure he is 100% fit for PSG.

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