Arsenal will look to lift the mood around the Emirates Stadium after a difficult end to 2023 when they host Liverpool in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
The Gunners were top of the Premier League table at Christmas but have since slipped to fourth, five points off the pace set by their opponents this weekend.
However, Mikel Arteta will know victory here will eliminate one of the main favourites in England’s historic cup competition and boost their own hopes of silverware come the end of the season.
Here’s the team the Spaniard could send out on Sunday afternoon.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – The usurped England international featured in Arsenal’s two Carabao Cup fixtures before their elimination and could get another chance in the starting XI if David Raya is rotated out.
RB: Ben White – Started six of the Gunners’ eight games throughout December and, with Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu both currently available, will have to plough through before the winter break.
CB: William Saliba – Has dropped off the high standards he has set since becoming a permanent starting XI fixture at Arsenal, looking particularly ropy at Fulham.
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes – Put his side ahead early on against Liverpool in the 1-1 draw that sealed top spot for Arsenal before Christmas.
LB: Jakub Kiwior – Oleksandr Zinchenko is facing a race to be fit in time so Kiwior, hooked at half-time in that Fulham loss, could be plugged in at left-back.
CM: Martin Odegaard – A few quiet performances in Arsenal’s last two games but has plenty of quality to make the difference here. Just needs to avoid any more handball shenanigans in case his basketball skills aren’t strangely tolerated this time against the Reds.
CM: Declan Rice – Captained West Ham to Europa Conference League glory last season and a big performance here could keep the Gunners’ FA Cup hopes alive.
CM: Kai Havertz – Grabbed four goals in seven games during December but has looked more subdued in recent outings. Has beaten Liverpool once in eight previous attempts.
RW: Bukayo Saka – The much-fouled winger was reportedly at the centre of an Arsenal complaint to PGMOL over rough treatment from opposition players. Has certainly earned his winter break.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – Will be looking nervously over his shoulder if chatter of his side pursuing a new striker continues. Looking to end a three-game goal drought here.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – With only four goals in all competitions this season, Martinelli’s starting spot will soon be up for grabs if the Brazilian doesn’t improve.
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