LONDON — Mikel Arteta is set to make significant changes to his Arsenal side for the final day of the Premier League season, as the Gunners prepare to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
With the Premier League title already secured after Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday night, Arsenal have wrapped up the domestic campaign with a game to spare. Arteta now has one eye firmly fixed on the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 in Budapest, prompting a strategic rotation to protect key players and maintain squad freshness for the biggest match of the season.
Several first-team stars are expected to be rested or carefully managed at Selhurst Park. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and David Raya were notably absent from the main first-team training group on Thursday, instead following individual programmes. This strongly suggests they could be protected ahead of the European showdown.
Declan Rice and Gabriel are also among those who may be given a breather, allowing Arteta to balance squad management with competitive needs. If Raya is rested, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the favourite to start in goal, though the manager could opt for a more surprising call-up by handing a Premier League debut to young goalkeeper Tommy Setford as recognition for his role as third-choice this season.
In defence, Marli Salmon is in contention to feature, while Cristhian Mosquera is likely to continue at right-back to build his match sharpness ahead of the Champions League final. Christian Norgaard is poised for what would be his first Premier League start of the season, having seen just 56 minutes of action in the title-winning campaign so far.
The midfield and attack will also see fresh faces. Mikel Merino has returned to training and remains a doubt, while the creative department could welcome back Eberechi Eze against his former club. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to feature out wide, providing pace and directness. Up front, there is a possibility that Gabriel Jesus makes an appearance in what could be his final league outing for Arsenal, though Arteta may instead choose to keep Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz sharp for the final in Budapest.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; Mosquera, Salmon, Calafiori, Hincapie; Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Doubts: Merino Injured: Timber
The match kicks off at 4pm BST on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Selhurst Park and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
This rotation-heavy approach reflects Arteta’s clear priorities. Having already achieved domestic glory, the Spaniard is unwilling to risk fatigue or fresh injuries to his core group with European silverware now within touching distance. Crystal Palace will face a much-changed Arsenal side, but the Gunners’ depth means they remain dangerous even with several regulars sidelined.
The question now is whether this calculated gamble pays off — both in securing a strong finish to the league season and ensuring Arsenal arrive in Budapest at full strength for their date with destiny against Paris Saint-Germain.