There are 10 games to go in the Premier League title race, and Arsenal will face Manchester City in the next one, in what is their toughest match remaining.
Arsenal are one point ahead of Man City, and they will travel to the Etihad Stadium in what could be a season-defining game.
However, no matter the result on Sunday, Arsenal will still have nine league games remaining, as well as a two-legged Champions League tie against Bayern Munich, and they face a hectic fixture schedule.
Even if Arsenal pull off a victory, there will still be a long way to go, and Mikel Arteta will need to get his squad rotation spot on. Several important players have now returned from injury, and everyone will have their parts to play.
Mikel Arteta needs to rotate his defence in the Premier League title run-in
Despite an occasional reluctance to rotate, and rest the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, there are three stars who could play a vital part in the title race as squad players.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is now back from injury, and has signed a new deal, with his versatility greatly admired by Arteta.
It is this versatility which makes him particularly useful. Ben White has been playing on with an injury for a while, and there are a lot of games still to be played.
In addition, Jakub Kiwior has filled in well at left-back, but some games may require Tomiyasu’s experience and intelligence in the role.
Tomiyasu will therefore be vital for Arteta, as someone who can come on as a defence-minded substitute for White, rotate in for the right-back and provide a different option at left-back.
Mikel Arteta may need to rotate his midfield
Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe have both struggled with injuries this season, but with both back in contention, they could have huge parts to play.
Rice and Martin Odegaard have been two of Arsenal’s best players, whilst Jorginho has also been particularly impressive in midfield.
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However, midweek home fixtures against Luton and Chelsea are coming up soon, and these may be the best chances for Arteta to rotate. Smith Rowe can gain opportunities either in place of or alongside Odegaard in midfield, whilst Partey can allow Rice and Jorginho to rest if he can stay fit and contribute to the team.
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If Arteta does not voluntarily shuffle his pack, he runs the risk of his hand being forced by injury, and his squad players need match sharpness if they are to slot straight into the team at any point in the run-in.
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