Mikel Arteta has made just one change from the midweek Liverpool clash with Rob Holding coming in for Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White playing as the right-back.
Mikel Arteta has provided no rest to his first-choice players, with the Arsenal manager naming a largely unchanged side which started against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final earlier this week. Right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu misses out with an injury, with Ben White playing in the Japanese international’s usual position.
Rob Holding is the only player to return to the starting eleven, partnering Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Kieran Tierney retains his position in the left-back slot, with Nuno Tavares consigned to the bench. Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal, with Bernd Leno back on the bench after recovering from a recent injury.
? TEAM NEWS
??????? Holding starts in defence
?? Odegaard in midfield
?? Martinelli in attackCOME ON ARSENAL ?#ARSBUR pic.twitter.com/5QAdaB8Imb
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2022
Albert Sambi Lokonga is tasked with the big responsibility of holding the midfield on his own. Martin Odegaard, who played well against Liverpool, seems like his partner in the double-pivot, while Emile Smith Rowe might take a slightly advanced role, although he could sit a bit deep to create a midfield trifecta.
Gabriel Martinelli keeps his place on the left-hand side of the Arsenal attack after an impressive performance against Liverpool, while Bukayo Saka starts on the other flank. Alexandre Lacazette leads the line against Liverpool, while Eddie Nketiah and youngster Mika Beireth are options from the bench.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ramsdale, White, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Lokonga, Odegaard, Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette
