Arsenal: 4 big selection calls for Arteta vs Leeds

4. Ben White or Gabriel in Central Defence?

The obvious changes to make are an almost entirely different back five, which means the returns of Rob Holding and Pablo Mari in central defence.

Just like the Martinelli’s and the Maitland-Niles’ of this team, the minutes will be scarce for the pair and this is one of few opportunities for them.

Should it be, though?

Mari has been hopeless every time he’s played and Leeds will put him under intense pressure all throughout the meeting, and with both Gabriel and Benjamin White looking solid, the addition of a progressive passer in there will be a key line breaking tool to navigate through the Leeds press.

White could come in for Holding and partner Mari, but if there is to be one surprise in defence it’ll most likely be for Mari. He too has not been in a matchday squad for over a month. Calum Chambers joins that group as well.

Gabriel and Holding is also a pairing that knows one another. They’ve played together plenty of times and finished last season strongly with the unbeaten run, so it may be under consideration by Arteta.

Arsenal also want to win this. Changing out the entire team can be disruptive and the way Arteta wants this team to play requires specific personnel to carry out the orders.

Does he trust Holding and Mari? He might just not for a top-flight EFL Cup tie.