Arsenal suffered a setback in the Premier League title race last weekend as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Everton.
The result was compounded by leaders Liverpool also drawing with Fulham as the Gunners remain six points behind leaders Arne Slot’s side, who have a game in hand, and four behind surprise package Chelsea who visit Goodison Park on Sunday.
Simply put, the north London outfit need to string together a run of victories if they’re to be crowned Premier League champions come May.
Mikel Arteta will hope his side have gained some momentum following their 3-2 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace as they face the Eagles in the league on Saturday with the chance to close the gap on the top two.
An injury-free festive period is the dream scenario for the Arsenal manager, though that’s unlikely as Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko are among those currently on the sidelines.
In addition, Arteta may need to have a word with several players who are facing the risk of suspensions in the coming weeks.
Which Arsenal players are close to a suspension?
Players who pick up five yellow cards in the first 19 Premier League matches of the season will receive a one-match ban. The threshold for a suspension after that point in the campaign is raised to 10 bookings after 32 matches.
Arsenal’s match against Brentford on New Year’s Day is the final game in which suspensions will be handed out for a fifth yellow card.
Gabriel Jesus, despite only starting twice in the Premier League this season, has picked up four bookings and so is just one more away from picking up a ban. Calls for the Brazilian to start at Selhurst Park have grown following his hat-trick in the cup.
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Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Jorginho are all on three. Should any of the quartet pick up two yellow cards across matches against Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Brentford, they will be suspended.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz, David Raya, Thomas Partey and William Saliba having more breathing room on two and therefore just have to avoid a booking against Palace to be free of the threat of a one-game suspension.
Four yellow cards: Gabriel Jesus
Three yellow cards: Jorginho, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber