Mikel Arteta will ring the changes when Arsenal face Oxford United in the FA Cup third round, with Emile Smith Rowe to return.
Arsenal will face Oxford United in the FA Cup third round at the Kassam Stadium on Monday, and Mikel Arteta will likely use the opportunity to rest many key stars. The Gunners’ boss will allow fringe players to stake a claim for a starting berth while retaining one or two of his current Premier League regulars for balance.
One player who can return to the lineup is Emile Smith Rowe, who has missed the last few months with severe fitness problems. During his pre-match press conference, Arteta had few words for the attacker. He relayed the English international’s importance and the roles he could play for this team.
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Arteta said, “Emile can play as an attacking midfielder, as a winger and even as a nine; I think he’s played there before. First of all, we need him fit and at his best, and when we have that, we have an incredible player that we have missed a lot in the last few months. Tomorrow he trains well; he will hopefully be available to give us something in the game.”
There could be a lot of changes to the playing eleven from Arsenal’s home draw to Newcastle United. Matt Turner will replace Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks, while the back four could see a complete overhaul.
Arteta had kept hold of at least one of William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the Arsenal defence in many Europa League games. This time, he has a fully fit Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares. So both the Premier League regulars could get rested.
Cedric could start as the right-back, while Rob Holding could partner with Tomiyasu at the heart of the defence. Kieran Tierney is the obvious choice at left-back. In midfield, Mohamed Elneny could play the anchor role, with Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga on either side of the Egyptian.
The returning Smith Rowe will likely take the left-hand slot in the front three. Marquinhos could start on the right flank in place of Bukayo Saka. Finally, Arteta could keep Eddie Nketiah in the side to help him gain more sharpness leading the line.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Turner; Cedric, Holding, Tomiyasu, Tierney; Vieira, Elneny, Lokonga; Marquinhos, Nketiah, Smith Rowe