Arsenal will make the trip to Leicester today in the Carabao Cup third round, but will do so without eight players.
Kieran Tierney was on the sheet to start the weekend’s win over West Ham, but had to pulled out shortly before kick-off due to issues with his groin, and remains sidelined. He is however in line to return to full training this week.
He is joined by Cedric Soares, who has been struggling with a tight right calf, as the newest on the list of unavailable players.
The other six out of action have all been missing since the beginning of the campaign.
Emile Smith Rowe and Sokratis are both expected to return to full training within the next 10 days, while Pablo Mari, Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli remain on the sidelines.
David Luiz is in line for his first start since the Community Shield in August, having suffered with a neck spasm prior to the PL season begun, and he could well be joined by William Saliba, who will be eager to make his debut.
The 19 year-old joined the club from St Etienne 13 months ago, but part of the deal included spending the season with his previous side on loan, and he has been given time to settle into the team so far.
He could be joined by Alex Runarsson in making his debut following his move from Dijon earlier in the week, although with such a big task in Leicester to open our League Cup campaign, his entry is not a certainty.
Predicted XI:
Leno
Saliba Luiz Kolasinac
Maitland-Niles Elneny Willock Saka
Pepe Nketiah Aubameyang
I’m expected Arteta to ring the changes as Arsenal do for the early stages of their cup campaigns, and while I have chosen Saliba to make his debut, part of me feels as though Gabriel will retain his place.
This team should have more than enough about it, with team captain Aubameyang rarely rested or in need of any.
Do you expect more or less rotation ahead of tonight’s fixture?
Patrick
Auba should be rested for the Liverpool challenge and I hope Arteta matches the 4-3-3 system used by Leicester with Saliba and Luis at centre back.If Ozil and Guendouzi are not in the pool I will be left wondering when, if ever will they pull on the red shirt again.
Exactly, Grandad 👍👍
Yes I 2 2 believe that too.
At least we can then stop arguing and get on supporting MA, whatever happens tonight.
Sue, did you find the mysterious beret man? 🕵️
I sure did, Ken 😄 He was really going for it – rightly so!! That was a great story 👍
I hope to see balagon play today
Well this should be the perfect opotune time to make sure that OZIL hasn’t fallen out of hrace with arteta
Macey
Saliba Luiz kolasinac
Niles Elneny willock ozil
Pepe nketiah saka
kolasinac should be rested.
Macay
Saliba luiz kolasinac
Nelson elnany xhaka Niles
Pepe nketiah saka
This makes me feel Artetas should sign one more striker or sign zaha plus partey
Based on trend I am not expecting to see a change in formation hence no Ozil. Seven defenders are what am expecting to see. Arteta simply doesn’t trust his players to compete.
No way will he risk Auba before Liverpool
And of course i was right.What drugs are you on?
Tierney is a good player but looks brittle as glass. The lad needs serious strength training in the gym and put on a kilo or two to help combat his injury woes
There was an article before he signed saying that he had a hip problem which lead to other injuries (don’t know which )but he as spent abit of time on the treatment table since joining ,hopefully he does not get the Arsenal curse ,as he seems a solid player so far .