EDDIE NKETIAH and Emile Smith Rowe could force their way into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI this afternoon after enjoying fantastic starts to the season.
Both Hale End academy products started Arsenal’s last game against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup.
Nketiah scored a hat-trick in the 5-1 win to book the Gunners’ place in the semi-finals.
And Smith Rowe had a fine game alongside Martin Odegaard in the midfield.
Arsenal will now take on Liverpool at the Emirates for a place in the final on January 6 and 13.
With a trip to bottom of the table Norwich on Arsenal’s Boxing Day schedule, both could start and help maintain the clubs’ top-four push.
Aaron Ramsdale will most likely keep his place in between the sticks having no put a foot wrong for the Gunners.
The back four would most likely consist of Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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Granit Xhaka, who has played well since returning from injury, could partner Thomas Partey in midfield.
Gabriel Martinelli could keep his place after scoring three in his last two Premier League games.
Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka may make up the rest of the three behind Nketiah.
Alternatively, stand-in captain Alexandre Lacazette may lead the line in Nketiah’s place.
And Martinelli could drop out to allow Odegaard to start in behind the striker and Smith Rowe out wide.
Nicolas Pepe may be handed some minutes to impress after finding himself on the bench for most of this season.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk