Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to ring the changes for his side's mouthwatering FA Cup fourth round clash with Manchester City on Friday.
The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on their Premier League title rivals. It is the first clash between the two sides this season, having had their first game in the top-flight postponed until mid-February.
With his side five points clear at the top of the table, Arteta may be tempted to let the FA Cup take a backseat in his attempt to bring the title back for the first time in 19 years. And that could lead to the Spaniard making a raft of changes to his team.
That should start in goal, with back-up goalkeeper Matt Turner coming in for first-choice Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks. In fact, Gabriel could be the only member of defence to keep his starting spot against City.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is likely to come in at right-back for Ben White, having spent most of the campaign on the sidelines. Rob Holding should partner Gabriel at centre-back, with Kieran Tierney retaking his place from Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Fabio Vieira has struggled for game-time since the World Cup, but his starring role in the third round win over Oxford could be enough to see him start against City. The other two members of midfield, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are likely to keep their places.
HAVE YOUR SAY! What should be Arsenal's starting line-up against Manchester City? Comment below.
Up-front, Leandro Trossard is in line to make his full debut after his bright cameo in the win over Manchester United. If he does start, the Belgian is likely to take Bukayo Saka's spot on the right wing.
There could also be a change on the other wing, with Emile Smith Rowe taking Gabriel Martinelli's place. With a lack of options through the middle, Eddie Nketiah is likely to make his seventh successive start in all competitions.
Though it appears that Arteta will allow his side to put a push for the FA Cup on the backburner, the Arsenal boss is cleary still relishing the chance to take on his mentor Pep Guardiola.
"It’s a big match, and a big test for us against in my opinion the best football team in the world. I’m looking forward to it because it will tell us a lot about where we are," Arteta said.
"I think there are going to be two very very different games, and to put similarities into them is very unreal. Maybe because of the players on the pitch, but as well the context is extremely different.
"Let’s see - obviously it is important to win and play well. That gives you more momentum, more confidence and prepares you better for the next match, and that’s our focus to do that on Friday.
"It is a competition that is really important for us and is attached to our club and our history. When you are challenging with someone like this, something comes in between so it’s a strange feeling. It’s what it is, and that’s our challenge."
Arsenal predicted line-up vs Man City: Matt Turner; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney; Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka; Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe
