Arsenal take on Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening. The game had been pushed back to a later date due to the hectic schedule of the south London club, who had European commitments the week before.
Arsenal can enter the semi-final of the competition for the third time in five seasons with a win and set up a two-legged affair with Chelsea as a reward. Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of delivering silverware and could be just four matches away from pulling it off.
While some players remain out, the need to rotate and select the line-up is by no means a simple task. football.london gives their view on who they think will start on the night.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The cup goalkeeper returns to see if he can keep his record of clean sheets going in the competition after shutouts against Port Vale and Brighton, the latter of which included a couple top saves.
Jurrien Timber
With so little depth at right-back beyond some inexperienced youth options, Jurrien Timber will need to plough on through the minutes in the right-back role. If the game state allows it might be Marli Salmon can enter the game late on.
William Saliba
Christian Norgaard is a potential option but with Arteta’s tendency to lean on several key starters, the sense is the Frenchman might again start.
Riccardo Calafiori
Piero Hincapie would have been the choice however he was not spotted in the training images before the game which could cite the shoulder problem he appeeared to get against Everton stopped him from training.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
This means that a rare chance for Myles Lewis-Skelly coming into the starting XI and after some up and down displays needs a solid return here.
Declan Rice
Again, another one of Arteta’s stalwarts and despite the clamour for the midfielder to get a rest, the likelihood is he will be starting this game here too.
Mikel Merino
The Spanish midfielder has been a favourite of Arteta’s and with Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard getting a rest it makes sense the box-crasher makes an appearance here.
Eberechi Eze
With Odegaard rested, Eberechi Eze, who was completely rested against Everton on the weekend, is completely fresh coming back to face his former club again, against whom he has already scored this season.
Noni Madueke
Not played a single minute since his two goals against Club Brugge, the right winger is another who is completely rested and ready to come in to the side for this game.
Gabriel Jesus
A first start since his return from injury, and there are big expectations on the Brazilian’s shoulders as a battle to be the club’s starting number nine commences.
Gabriel Martinelli
A player who has historically linked up really well with Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli could again be the perfect partner in the front line here.
