Unai Emery has revealed in the build-up to Friday night’s meeting with Manchester United in the FA Cup that he will not be making the same sweeping changes to his side that he did against Blackpool in the previous round.
In an ideal world, Emery would have liked another opportunity to give some minutes to those in need of game time, but the draw has made that all but impossible.
So while the Spaniard may bring in one or two fresh faces, he admits he can’t afford to change things too much against a United side that arrive in north London on the back of seven straight wins.
“We have been working very well this week,” said the Spaniard. “I have positive doubts because I think every player has big commitment and are looking to play on Friday.
“My decision I will take after the last training, but I am going to find the best first XI because I think against Manchester United we will need the best performance, individually and collectively. I trust in every player and I can decide on some changes.”
Mesut Ozil could be one of the players who Emery brings back into the side, possibly in place of Aaron Ramsey – despite the Wales international’s impressive showing against Chelsea last weekend.
Ozil has trained all week and may line up in the No.10 role, behind the front two of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The midfield three behind the No.10 is expected to stay the same as it was against Chelsea, with Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreria and Matteo Guendouzi set to start.
Emery has some big decisions to make at the back. Laurent Koscielny, so impressive against Chelsea, could be given the night off to protect his fitness levels ahead of Tuesday night’s game with Cardiff.
That would see Shkodran Mustafi slot back in alongside Sokratis in the heart of the back four.
Emery may decide to start with Nacho Monreal at left-back in favour of Sead Kolasinac, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles covering on the opposite side of the defence following the injury to Hector Bellerin.
Petr Cech, who will retire at the end of the season, will start in goal, with Bernd Leno on the bench.
Arsenal expected XI vs Manchester United: Cech, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Torreira, Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette.