Mikel Arteta must match Raheem Sterling promise with Arsenal decision against Crystal Palace

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a huge week in the context of the side’s season, with two huge consecutive matches against Crystal Palace.

First up is a quarter-final tie in the EFL Cup, which offers a huge chance for silverware in the early stages of the season.

That’s before a reverse fixture against the Eagles in the Premier League, where there’s some hope that the title challenge can get back on track.

It offers opportunities to pick up some form, as well as a chance for Arteta to rotate within his Arsenal team over the coming days.

That may well pave the way for Raheem Sterling to make an impact, with chances few and far between so far.

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Raheem Sterling must start for Arsenal against Crystal Palace

Whether it’s in the EFL Cup or Premier League, Sterling must find his way into one of the two starting line-ups over the coming week.

The forward has struggled for chances and if he isn’t even starting in a week with cup competitions, then it says a lot about where he is placed in the current pecking order.

There had been some hope that, with his quality added to the squad, there could be some more rest for the key players.

If he can’t manage that in a big week, then it also goes against a recent claim from Arteta himself on the Chelsea loanee.

When asked about a lack of chances for Sterling, the manager said: “It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more.

“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 percent of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not tactical reasons. I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way.

“He’s very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play. He had this very important role, impacting every game, and suddenly you are in this position for a while. Not just here but at Chelsea as well.

“So it’s always very difficult and I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment. Hopefully, we can change it.”

That, in itself, seems to be a promise to offer those opportunities to Sterling so he can make them.

It’s clear that he hasn’t got the minutes expected so far, but those chances may only dwindle in the weeks ahead.

For that reason, starting against Crystal Palace, particularly in the cup, makes the most sense.

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Raheem Sterling stats at Arsenal

Since joining Arsenal, Sterling has only started four games across all competitions and has received limited minutes.

One of those starts – against Bournemouth – was rather unfortunate as he had to be substituted early due to a red card for his side.

Two of the other three have all come in the EFL Cup, where he has had the most joy and could feature once again.

It’s a move that hasn’t quite worked out as any party would’ve hoped, but there’s still a chance to get the best out of him, not least in the upcoming festive fixture list.