With the busy fixtures in January now on the way, rotating the squad is certainly more important than ever.

Shkodran Mustafi may be fit again but it would be risky to suggest that he is rushed back for a ‘winnable’ game like this. That is not to suggest that Crystal Palace will be any push-overs, but Mustafi is far too important to this team for us to gamble with his fitness.

I would fancy Mohamed Elneny getting a chance to play before he jets off for the African Cup of nations, especially considering how Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka’s overly defensive partnership against West Brom turned out to be quite ineffective on Monday.

Palace under Sam Allardyce will be just as stubborn as the Baggies and therefore Wenger will have to be more attacking-minded with his midfield selection this time.

Alexis Sanchez has given a lot lately and there is no doubt he is this team’s most valuable player. That is why he should be handed a rest this weekend in place of Lucas Perez who desperately needs an opportunity to prove his worth.

Line-Up

Be the first to receive breaking news about Arsenal!