Arsenal are preparing for their double-header against Crystal Palace this week in the Premier League and EFL Cup.
First, Palace visit the Emirates in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, providing the Gunners with Premier League opposition for the first time in the tournament.
Mikel Arteta shared an injury update ahead of the Palace clash, in what is a vital game for Arsenal’s hopes of collecting silverware this season.
Having seen Hale End graduates succeed in the EFL Cup already this term, it will be interesting who Arteta selects to play Palace in the must-win tie.
Mikel Arteta responds to Raheem Sterling question
Aside from giving youngsters a chance to shine, several fringe players will be desperate to get minutes against Palace.
A handful of players need to prove a point to Arteta amid Arsenal’s frustrating form, one of which being a rarely seen face in N5.
Deadline-day loan signing Raheem Sterling has struggled to collect minutes since making the move from Chelsea, which has been puzzling considering the squad’s attacking struggles.
Sterling wants to make an impact at Arsenal on his season-long loan, despite being offered limited game time.
In Arteta’s press conference before the Gunners’ clash with Crystal Palace, the Arsenal manager offered a one-word answer when quizzed on Sterling’s minutes.
A reported asked the boss whether there’s been a particular reason for the Englishman not playing, to which Arteta simply replied, “No.”
Since joining on deadline day, Sterling has played 356 minutes in all competitions, completing 90 on just one occasion.
The EFL Cup has been where Arteta has utilised the winger most this season, which many will hope to see continue on Wednesday night.
Sterling deserves a chance to make an impression
While Arteta has admitted that it’s been ‘difficult’ to include Sterling, the manager must award the forward with opportunities where possible.
Given that wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have been urged to step up, now would be the perfect time to hand Sterling the chance to prove himself.
Arteta should repay Sterling’s patience against Palace, handing the Englishman the opportunity to show his worth in a must-win fixture.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
