In a strange way it might turn out to be a good thing that Arsenal have been forced to play our final three Premier League matches in the space of just seven days, especially if it forces Arsene Wenger to rotate his squad when the Gunners play host to relegation threatened Sunderland tomorrow.
Normally the extra match would be a bit of a bind at this stage of a very demanding season of over 50 games, but for once we are doing pretty well on the injury front and so can afford to rest a few players without having to field a significantly weaker side.
Let´s be honest though, Gooners, and say that one or two key injuries picked up now could have a very negative effect on our chances of beating Aston Villa at Wembley and lifting the FA cup trophy in back to back seasons. Just like if we only finished fourth this season, failing to win that trophy would be a real blow to everyone connected with the club and it could have a knock on result when we start next season.
So if I was Wenger I would be looking to rest a few key men tonight. If Danny Welbeck is fit to start I would give the jaded looking Giroud a rest and would seriously consider dropping either Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil as well. Ramsey could play in the middle with Wilshere in the CAM role, with Walcott on the right and Welbeck in the middle, or on the left with Alexis in the middle.
That sounds like a lot of changes but while we might lose some consistency and rhythm, we would gain energy and a burning desire to impress. Maybe Wenger will wait until the weekend or spread his rotations over the two games, or maybe he will just keep playing the same tired players. What would you do?