Sokratis is back into the starting XI, while Eddie Nketiah also starts for Arsenal in their FA Cup fourth round fixture against Bournemouth.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made five changes to the side that featured against Chelsea in the Premier League last week, for their FA Cup away contest against Bournemouth on Monday. Starting from goal, Emiliano Martinez comes in for first-choice keeper Bernd Leno in the cup competition.
There is a solitary change in the backline as Sokratis is back into the side having recovered from his illness due to which he missed the last two games. He replaces David Luiz, who is suspended for the contest, while Shkodran Mustafi keeps his spot in the team. Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka slot in as the full-back for Arsenal once again.
? Tonight’s team news…
??????? @EddieNketiah9 leads the attack
?? Gabriel Martinelli stays in the starting XI
?? @MatteoGuendouzi also starts— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 27, 2020
In midfield, Matteo Guendouzi gets the nod ahead of Lucas Torreira, while Granit Xhaka is retained alongside the Frenchman in the Gunners’ double pivot. Mesut Ozil drops out to the bench against Bournemouth, paving the way for academy product Joe Willock to start in the No. 10 role.
Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom have been in good form, keep their places on the flanks. But, there is a change in the centre-forward slot as Eddie Nketiah makes his first start for Arsenal since returning from a loan spell at Leeds United. Alexandre Lacazette drops to the bench.
Arsenal Confirmed XI: Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Saka; Guendouzi, Xhaka; Pepe, Willock, Martinelli; Nketiah