
Arsenal’s recent form has not been on the right track with two drab draws against Fulham and Everton, but tonight offers a different preposition – a shot at the EFL Cup semifinals with a win over Crystal Palace.
The visitors come into the Emirates Stadium in good form, with Ismaila Sarr scoring and assisting in the recent victory over Brighton. Crystal Palace actually host Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend, so this game offers both gaffers a chance to scout each other after a cup clash in midweek.
To team news, I would expect Mikel Arteta to make some wholesale changes to the squad, allowing the fringe players to get a runout.
In goal, Neto Murara is still cup tied, so we will have to wait till the FA Cup or David Raya injury to see him get a chance to play between the sticks. In defense, Gabriel just returned from an injury outlay and wasn’t really comfortable against Everton, but we may see William Saliba play alongside Jakub Kiwior. With the paucity of options at right back, Jurrien Timber would feature while Myles Lewis-Skelly would continue his stint in the first team ahead of a fit-again Kieran Tierney.
In midfield, we would see Jorginho lead the team with youngster, Ethan Nwaneri, getting a rare start. Mikel Merino should make up the numbers. In attack, I would expect Bukayo Saka to get a much-deserved rest to allow Arteta field Raheem Sterling. Leandro Trossard should get the nod over Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus will lead the line. Arteta expects Jesus to break his terrible goal scoring duck and he had been hyping him in his latest press conference.
