Arsenal are looking to secure four consecutive wins by hosting Premier League club Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round this weekend.
The Gunners changed their form after a win in ten league games, with wins over Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom pulling them off the table and away from a potential relegation battle.
Newcastle, on the other hand, haven’t earned any wins in their last six games.
Mikel Arteta will probably rotate the side to allow some players to rest. So with that in mind, here is the team that Arteta should go with to ensure progression into the next round.
Alex Runarsson (GK) – The substitute goalkeeper has not played since his error-riddled display against Man City in the Carabao Cup, but he is expected to return here.
Cedric Soares (RB) – As Hector Bellerin’s understudy, Soares has mostly limited himself to appearances in cup competitions and that will continue here.
David Luiz (CB) – Arteta has found a partnership in recent weeks that doesn’t include the Brazilian, but he will start here for a few much-needed minutes.
Gabriel (CB) – The summer signing was in good shape before being forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19. Fit and available again, he should start here to regain some clarity.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (LB) – With Sead Kolasinac leaving the club on loan, the Arsenal academy graduate will likely replace the left-back to give Kieran Tierney a rest.
Thomas Partey (CM) – Arsenal’s big summer signing has been missing since getting injured against Tottenham, but he’s back in form and should start spending a few minutes under his belt.
Mohamed Elneny (CM) – The Egyptian has been in and out of the side this season, but after missing out on the win over West Brom, is expected to feature here again.
Joe Willock (CAM) – After impressing in the Europa League this season, Willock appears to be Arteta’s man of choice in cup competitions and is expected to start here as well.
Nicolas Pepe (RW) – Arsenal’s record signing is still trying to convince the manager and the fans that he can cut the mustard in England, so he will start here and look to make an impression.
Willian (LW) – The ex-Chelsea man has struggled since moving to London this summer, so Arteta could use this game to try and get him in shape.
Eddie Nketiah (ST) – The England Under-21 forward has started every Europa League game and two of the three Carabao Cup games this season, so he is expected to continue playing his role as Arteta Cup striker.
