Arsenal will welcome Newcastle as their first opponents as they look to defend their FA Cup triumph of last season.
The Gunners may well have a full bill of health for the first time this season, but there are doubts over two players still.
Thomas Partey has been back in full training ahead of the clash, but with only 45 minutes of action since November 11, his fitness will need to be assessed ahead of the kick-off.
Gabriel Magalhaes has also been out of late, after testing positive for Coronavirus before the new year, but Arsenal.com states that he is no longer showing signs of illness and could become available if certain protocols are met.
Predicted XI:
Leno
AMN Luiz Chambers Tierney
Partey Willock
Pepe Nelson Martinelli
Nketiah
While some will be expecting the likes of Tierney, Leno and Martinelli to be rested, I have other idea. Goalkeeper Runarsson put in a shocking performance against Manchester City in the League Cup, and Arteta will be keen to give his side a strong chance this evening, which leads me to overlook him.
While Maitland-Niles could well find himself at left-back, I feel like Soares has fallen further out of contention, and Tierney shows no signs of needing rest.
Martinelli makes my line-up as he was rested for the previous clash, and could well use this match to build up his match fitness as he looks to hit his peak form.
Emile Smith Rowe could also start, but I’m hoping that Reiss Nelson is fit enough to return from a few weeks sidelined, and he has been eyed for a central role in behind the striker previously, and I believe Arteta would be keen to take a closer look as he prepares to enter into the transfer market this month.
Joe Willock could also fill in that role today, having impressed in the Europa League, but I feel that Reiss would get the nod for the role if fit.
Should Nelson impress, and with ESR already staking a claim for a first-team role, we may overlook the AM role this month…
Who do you expect to feature today as the boss likely looks to ring the changes?
Patrick
Özil to come in. Farewell miniutes
He can’t as not registered.
Aubameyang,
Willian, Willock, Pepe,
Elneny, Partey,
Niles, Gabriel, Luiz, Cedric,
Runarsson.
These players must started playing well to earn their salaries!!
Up arsenal
Pick our best team.
Trophy at stake and Europe slot.
Would definitely start Auba & Willian, if only for 60 mins., they need to find form and confidence and the FA Cup is not quite so important; and would definitely NOT start Partey, he’s too important to risk when not match fit from the start, train for a few more days.. AMN needs to step up today too; otherwise danger of dropping into the Nketiah & Willock group
I would really like to see Balogun given a run out today.Neketiah has flattered to deceive on almost every appearance for Arsenal.Surely if West Ham want to buy him for reasonable money then Arsenal should take the money gratefully with both hands.From what Ive seen Balogun has a lot more craft,ability and strength making him a far better prospect..
Otherwise I firmly believe that the Manger shouldn’t change too much as its really important to maintain winning ways.Rest Xhaka,Saka,Holding and ESR by all means but don’t change the goalkeeper for his inept understudy.Aubamayang needs to get his confidence back and should be played and Willock given another go in midfield although a loan into the Championship is probably more his level if truth be known.
Hopefully Partey will be making his comeback and bringing both Gabriel and Martinelli back into the team should give it enough strength to see off a flighty Newcastle.That said Steve Bruce seems determined to take his team on a decent cup run and shouldn’t be underestimated.
I agree we should give Balogan a chance to show what he can do. If he want’s to stay then he would want to show what he is capable off in order to get that contract extension he wants. Come on MA show some bottle drop the flops.
Balogun is leaving unless he changes agents
Please do not start Partey,lets not take the chance(again!)
We are playing EPL opposition so it’s going to be a decent team, give him 20 mins maybe…..
Need to start aube .. the man needs goals to regain confidence … hopefully not willock tired of seeing this underachiever in an arsenal shirt just sell or loan before others realise how useless he is
Play a full strength side imo as it’s our only hope of silverware. I’m not into the “resting” players thing especially as we have only recently started to play ok
Arsenal 3
Newcastle 0
This is the perfect game in which to give Balogun a chance , play him for 90 minutes to give him the chance to show Arteta that he deserves to be ahead of Nketiah…..
This should be an easy win for arsenal,Coyg!