Mikel Arteta goes with a perhaps surprisingly strong side to face Oxford United. Arteta still makes seven changes from the team that drew with Newcastle United in the first dropped points since the 1-1 draw with Southampton but the forward line remains unchanged.
Arsenal know that a win tonight will see them progress further than they managed last season when they lost to Nottingham Forest. The reward for doing so is an end-of-January test away at Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta spoke of the importance of the competition to the club in the lead up to the game but ultimately the Arsenal manager will hope to see his side come through unscathed. Any injuries ahead of the North London Derby would be a nightmare scenario.
READ MORE: Oxford United vs Arsenal LIVE: TV channel, confirmed team news, goal and score updates in FA Cup
Matt Turner returns to make his first appearance of 2023 in place of starting goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The United States stopper enjoyed an impressive World Cup helping keep two clean sheets, including one against England.
The full-backs rotate with Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu coming in for the starting Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White. Rob Holding returns in the middle alongside Gabriel Magalhaes who he partnered a number of times in Europe.
The midfield is completely changed as Fabio Vieira comes in for Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are replaced by Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga. It is an opportunity for the Portuguese youth international to provide some evidence of that big price tag and impressive mid-season Dubai Cup performances.
The big news in the squad is the return of Emile Smith Rowe. The England international has missed much of the season after undergoing groin surgery and makes the bench tonight.
The front line remains unchanged with Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all starting. A sign of strength in the forward line will give the Gunners little excuse should the result not fall in their favour come full-time.
READ NEXT:
Two Arsenal players who could leave in January amid Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix talks
Man City star Bernardo Silva delivers honest verdict on Arsenal amid FA Cup draw and title race
Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal transfer: Arteta's confidence, Shakhtar teammate claim, Chelsea talks
Arsenal dealt major blow in Joao Felix pursuit as Man United make number 7 transfer decision
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
