ARSENAL could field a host of youngsters for their FA Cup third-round clash with Leeds on Monday.
Mikel Arteta is set to ring the changes, but has been left somewhat limited due to an incredible injury crisis in the squad.
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The Gunners are without a host of star defenders including Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney and, most-recently – Calum Chambers, who suffered a nasty knee injury.
But Arteta is still likely to field a strong squad, while resting a couple of star names.
The new boss revealed he is taking the FA Cup seriously, with Arsenal not assured a European berth for 2020-21 via the league, currently languishing in the bottom half.
Ahead of the Leeds clash, when asked if the cup was a priority, Arteta said: “Absolutely.
“I would like to have more fit players so I can rotate more, but we will see what we have after tomorrow.
“But obviously it is a competition that is very attached to this football club in recent years.
“We have to take to very seriously and we have to try to go to the next round.”
ROTATION KEY
Arteta could opt to rest a few players for the third-round clash
Emiliano Martinez is likely to replace the rested Bernd Leno in goal, with midfielders Bukayo Saka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles continuing at full-back due to the injury crisis.
Shkodran Mustafi could be handed a rare start, while Rob Holding and David Luiz will fight for the second spot.
Joe Willock is set to be given the nod in the heart of midfield, alongside Matteo Guendouzi or Lucas Torreira.
Mesut Ozil will hope to keep his hot form alive, but Dani Ceballos’ return from injury could see the German playmaker rested.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette would ideally be rested, with Gabriel Martinelli starting.
However, the Brazilian youngster is not a certainty to feature as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Reiss Nelson and Nicolas Pepe are likely to form a formidable wing pairing.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
