Hincapie + Richards injuries renewed as Arteta rotates

Saka has now not started a midweek game since November, while Rice has either missed the last three midweek games completely or only appeared as a late substitute.

The final minutes weren’t much, raising hopes that both midfielders could start all four games of Gameweek 18-21.

Arteta does not have the luxury of resting Riccardo Calafiori (£5.7 million), Jurrien Wood (£6.5 million) and William Lintasa (£5.9m), in the absence of Hincapie, Gabriel Magalhaes (£6.2 million), Christian Mosque (£5.4 million) and Ben White (£5.3m) leaves the Gunners short at the back.

…BUT GLASNER WASN’T

There was no such minute management from Oliver Glasner, who lacked the squad depth his opponents enjoyed.

Will Hughes (£4.7 million) and Nathaniel Clyne (£3.8m) was the only starter in Gameweek 17 to sit on the bench.

Giving minutes to Clyne (he came on at half-time) and a horror show from the replacement right wing-back Jaydee Canvot (£4.5m) will almost certainly ensure FPL’s cheapest starter gets another chance in Gameweek 18.

Walter Benitez (£4.0m) impressed between the sticks but Glasner was clear as to who remains his first choice.

“Dean [Henderson] is our number one but Walter deserves to play in cup games.” – Oliver Glasner

(POSSIBLE) IMPLICATIONS OF GAMEWEEK 31 BLANK

The EFL Cup Final clashes with Gameweek 31, potential (but not certain) creates a Blank Gameweek for four clubs.

We first discussed the implications of this in an article last week, which we have now updated following Arsenal’s developments.

MOSTLY ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

The wider ramifications of Tuesday’s game meant we didn’t do much coverage of the action on the pitch.

It happened, if you didn’t watch the game, it was mostly one-way traffic, especially in the first half. Arsenal had 25 shots to the Eagles’ total of eight, with the visitors’ only effort on target Marc Guehiequalizer in stoppage time (£5.3m). An attacking return for the centre-back, in line with the six he had in FPL.

An inspired Benitez managed to block seven shots: three from Contact Maduyke (£6.8m), two of Gabriel Jesus (£6.4m) and a close-range attack from Timber and Rice. His double save on Jesus’ header and Madueke’s follow-up were the standout moments.

No Arsenal player could beat him, with an unfortunate own goal Maxence Lacroix (£5.2m) deadlock breaker. Lacroix then missed the deciding penalty in the shootout.

Highly advanced Timber claimed the assist for Arsenal’s opener with a blocked shot, one of four attempts he made. Impressive numbers for a defender.

While the Eagles recovered after the break, this could have been a crushing defeat in the style of Match Weeks 17 and 18. The once tight back line now looked very vulnerable.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.7m) also walks like a man who is not completely fit, which is of course true.

In short, most of Arsenal’s key players have been well-rested ahead of the Christmas schedule, with reserve players offering Arteta food for thought in several positions (the impressive Martinelli on the left, for example).

Meanwhile, a tired Palace continue to push the same group (not that Glasner has much choice) – and will play four league games in 11 days. How much left in the tank will Palace have when we reach Newcastle and Aston Villa in Matchweeks 20 and 21?