While Saka is Arsenal’s key attacking outlet, his defensive contributions often lead to fouls. The winger averages 1.16 fouls per game and has committed at least one foul in 9 of his last 10 starts, with 2+ fouls in six of those. Saka will likely contend with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Tyrick Mitchell, players who have drawn 6 fouls combined in their last three matches, increasing the likelihood of Saka committing at least one foul.

Saka’s pace, skill, and ability to drive at defenders make him a magnet for fouls. Averaging 1.82 fouls drawn per match, he has been fouled at least twice in 10 of his last 14 games. Palace’s left-hand side, led by Tyrick Mitchell, has committed 12 fouls in their last six matches, leaving Saka poised to draw multiple challenges once more.

Saka remains the focal point of Arsenal’s attacking play. Averaging 2.86 shots per game, he has attempted 2+ shots in 9 of his last 10 matches. His accuracy is impressive, having hit the target in each of his last 7 games. Facing a Palace side that may sit deep, Saka’s influence in and around the box should see him register a shot on target.

Arsenal’s dominance in set pieces has become a cornerstone of their success. Since the start of last season, the Gunners have scored 23 goals from corners, underscoring their efficiency. Their ability to generate these opportunities is remarkable:

– 6.33 corners per game overall
– 7.5 corners per game at home.
– Excluding European matches, they average an astonishing 9 corners per game.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are prone to conceding corners, allowing opponents 5.89 per match. They’ve given up 6 or more in 5 of their last 6 games and 8 of the last 11, making Arsenal’s corner line highly achievable.

Tyrick Mitchell will face the daunting task of containing Bukayo Saka, one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. Although, Mitchell averages 0.84 fouls per game, he has committed a foul in 5 of his last 9 appearances.

Given Saka’s ability to draw 1.82 fouls per match, Mitchell is likely to struggle under pressure. There’s also excellent value in Mitchell committing 2+ fouls at odds of 4.50, something he’s done in 4 of his last 9 starts.

Hughes thrives in midfield battles, often operating on the edge to break up play. He averages 1.65 fouls per game and has committed at least one foul in 9 of his last 10 games. More significantly, Hughes has registered 2+ fouls in 6 of those matches. In a high-stakes quarterfinal where Arsenal will dominate possession, Hughes’ disruptive style will likely see him commit multiple fouls.

Ismaïla Sarr has become a key component of Palace’s attacking and defensive play, using his pace and skill to trouble defenders and control the game. Averaging 1.87 fouls drawn per 90 minutes, Sarr has been fouled in 7 of his last 8 starts, with 2+ fouls drawn in 5 of them. Arsenal’s likely midfield pairing of Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino have collectively conceded 6 fouls in their last 4 starts, meaning Sarr’s speed in transition will attract challenges from the Gunners’ midfield and defence.

Eze is the creative engine for Crystal Palace and the player most likely to unlock Arsenal’s defence. Before his injury, Eze was directly involved in 7 of Palace’s 12 goals in his first 11 matches, scoring 4 goals and assisting 3. In cup competitions, Eze thrives, contributing to goals in both previous rounds before his injury. Ahead of the quarterfinals, only Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho (3 goals, 2 assists) has more goal contributions in the competition. Arsenal’s defence will undoubtedly provide a stern test, but Eze’s creativity and set-piece prowess mean he remains Palace’s most likely source of attacking output.