Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to The Emirates this Saturday as they look to reignite their top four challenge after a difficult few weeks.

At the start of the season, the Gunners would have been looking at the weekend’s fixture as an easy three points, however the fortunes of the two London sides have changed in recent months and the stage is set for a thrilling London derby.

Arsenal have not won in their last three top flight games, while Palace have failed to lose – their most recent victory over high-flying Burnley taking them up to 12th in the table after having spent much of the season thus far in the relegation zone.

Roy Hodgson has had a dramatic impact on the Eagles, especially these two players who the Gunners will need to keep an eye on this weekend …

Bakary Sako

Palace’s man of the moment has surprised everyone with his recent form. The former Wolves star was little more than a bench warmer at the start of the campaign, however has now emerged as Roy Hodgson’s unlikely star for a revitalised Crystal Palace.

Four goals in just over a month have taken his toll for the season to six in all competitions, making him the club’s top scorer – ahead of the much lauded Wilfried Zaha. A big, strong runner with the ball and with a newly found eye for goal, a confident Sako will be a big danger with the Gunners come Saturday.

Christian Benteke

Benteke has endured his worst ever top flight season so far, scoring only once in 17 appearances. Having broken his duck for the season in December however and his performances improving and improving, you feel it is only a matter of time before the big Belgian finds his shooting boots (or head) again.

A powerful presence in box, Benteke has found the net three times in the past against Arsene Wenger’s men – and given Arsenal’s defensive struggles this season and lack of solid central defenders, he could do so again if given room to manoeuvre in the box.