A HOST of potential stars could feature at the Kassam Stadium tonight when Oxford United welcome Arsenal in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.
How Mikel Arteta sets his Gunners side up will be one of the biggest talking points in the lead up to kick-off.
We’re predicting Arteta to make seven changes to the side which drew 0-0 at home to Newcastle United last Tuesday.
Lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, this is how we think Arsenal will start the match against the U’s.
“When you get a chance to play a team like Arsenal, you want to play against the best.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) January 9, 2023
Elliott Moore on why he wants to face a full-strength Arsenal side tonight #oufc https://t.co/SX8hyrf3pp pic.twitter.com/qSOifU39Mf
GOALKEEPER: Matt Turner
The American stopper joined the Gunners in the summer from New England Revolution, and we expect him to come in for first choice keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
DEFENCE: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney
We reckon only Brazilian centre back Gabriel will stay in the back four which started against Newcastle. The full backs are likely to be switched, with Tomiyasu and Tierney replacing Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko respectively. Holding comes into the centre of defence for William Saliba.
MIDFIELD: Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Fabio Vieira
Just the one to keep his place in midfield we think, with the experienced Xhaka remaining at the heart of it. Martin Odegaard is in fine form for the Gunners and is likely to be rested, alongside Thomas Partey. Replacing them are Elneny and the more creative Viera.
ATTACK: Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Marquinhos
The big call for Arteta will probably be whether to start Emile Smith Rowe, who could return having been out since undergoing groin surgery in September. We’re predicting an appearance off the bench though, meaning Brazilian teenager Marquinhos is the only change in attack from the draw with Newcastle. He replaces fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli.
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