Mikel Arteta might make minimal changes to his side for the Liverpool clash, with Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Jesus set to start for Arsenal.
Arsenal have a big clash at the Emirates coming up with Liverpool, as Mikel Arteta will eye progression in this season’s FA Cup. The Gunners’ boss will put out a strong team with the intent of getting a win and achieving a place in the fourth round.
Arteta answered an array of questions during his pre-match press conference, which included updates on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey. The former missed the loss at Fulham, while the latter was not called up to the Ghana squad amid his injury concerns.
On Zinchenko, Arteta said, “He is progressing well. We have another training session tomorrow and we will evaluate whether he is available or not to play and start the game. As for the rest, there is no actual news.”
Meanwhile, Ghana did not call up Partey, as Chris Houghton claimed the midfielder was undergoing rehab from a severe injury. Arteta felt the decision was the right one, insisting it was about ‘common sense’.
Arteta said, “It was about common sense. He has a long-term injury and he really wanted to push his rehab. He really wanted to be with the national team, but he is still far from training with the team, and it didn’t make a lot of sense for him to be involved. Hopefully it’s weeks. How many weeks it will be will depend a little bit on how long the next step of training with the team will take him, but he’s progressing well.”
In terms of team news, Arteta will field his most robust possible lineup, although he might not risk playing Zinchenko even if he proves his fitness. Hence, Jakub Kiwior could start in his place, while Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will retain their spots.
Aaron Ramsdale could get a rare start for Arsenal this season, as he could replace Raya for this cup clash. Arteta will likely continue with his midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for the time being, with Jorginho an option off the bench.
Arteta will make a slight alteration to their front three, as he could recall Gabriel Jesus to lead the line in place of Eddie Nketiah. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will keep their wide berths while hoping they improve on their scoring form.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
