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Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Liverpool… Arteta makes two changes, ‘struggling’ £30m player gets big chance

Lucas Arnold

Sun 7 January 2024 8:35, UK

Ahead of a crucial tie against Liverpool in the FA Cup today, Mikel Arteta will be seeking a big response from his Arsenal side.

Back to back defeats in the Premier League have been a real cause for concern and Arsenal’s title prospects do look damaged.

That being said, today represents a huge opportunity for Arteta to turn Arsenal’s momentum around when Liverpool come to visit. 

Both teams will be missing players owing to the Asian Cup and AFCON, with Mohamed Salah undoubtedly the biggest absentee.

And with a win sorely needed, we’re expecting Arteta to name a very strong Arsenal side, making just two changes.

The first comes in goal, Aaron Ramsdale should get a much deserved opportunity between the sticks.

The England international’s situation is well documented, and given David Raya is now clear number one, Ramsdale should come in for this cup tie.

At the back, Arsenal fans will hope that Oleksandr Zinchenko is ready play following Arteta’s update that he was “progressing well.”

Zinchenko’s return would mean that Arteta can name a very familiar Arsenal back four against Liverpool, unless he tinkers elsewhere.

That being said, Arteta could have an exciting 18-year-old option on the bench for the game.

Mikel Arteta could hand Eddie Nketiah another Arsenal chance against Liverpool

Moving onto Arsenal’s midfield and front three, we could actually see the same six that struggled against Fulham last time out.

Perhaps Jorginho may be deployed in the number six at the expense of Kai Havertz – meaning Declan Rice would play in the eight.

But otherwise there’s surely little need to rest Martin Odegaard or the already mentioned Rice.

In attack, Leandro Trossard might be a candidate for a spot on the wing, but he’s done little to put pressure on the starting duo in his recent starts.

And then that just leaves the number nine role, one that could be handed to Eddie Nketiah once again.

The striker is ‘’ to take his chances recently but with Gabriel Jesus’ fitness still being managed he may get another opportunity today.

An Nketiah departure could be an option for Arsenal to raise funds in January, and therefore Arteta may want to give him one more opportunity to prove himself against Liverpool.

It’s a close call, but either way we are expecting Arsenal to deploy a close-to full strength team.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Havertz, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Nketiah, Saka.