Predicted Arsenal XI vs Oxford United: Will Emile Smith Rowe start?
Arsenal have endured FA Cup fourth-round and third-round exits since winning the competition under Mikel Arteta in 2020. No team has lifted this trophy more than the Gunners, who are vying for their 15th crown in 2022.
Their quest begins on Monday night away at League One outfit Oxford United.
Arteta’s side are loving life at the top of the Premier League table, although their momentum was brought to a halt by Newcastle in the week. Still, a five-point margin at the summit is certainly healthy, even if it is Manchester City in hot pursuit.
Nevertheless, their title charge drifts out of prominence this weekend as the FA Cup returns and Arteta is poised to name a heavily rotated side for this Monday night clash.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Oxford United
The boss has no fresh injury concerns to contend with, and here’s the starting XI he could pick for this cup tie.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Matt Turner (GK) – Turner seemed to improve as the Europa League group stage progressed and we haven’t seen him in action since he enjoyed a stellar World Cup with the USMNT. The American is poised to make his first start since October.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – The blonde highlights are questionable, but there’s no doubt that Arteta will hand Tomiyasu minutes on Monday. The Japanese international returned from injury on New Year’s Eve and has made back-to-back substitute appearances.
Rob Holding (CB) – Holding’s a shoo-in.
Gabriel (CB) – Either William Saliba or Gabriel could partner Holding on Monday night, but we’ve opted for the latter. The Brazilian’s partnership with Holding was pretty stout in Europe and the right-foot/left-foot dynamic works well.
Kieran Tierney (LB) – The vast majority of Tierney’s minutes have come away from the Premier League and that trend should continue against Oxford. Oleksandr Zinchenko will earn a rest with the Scot making the XI.
Midfielders
Mohamed Elneny (DM) – Arteta has already wrapped Thomas Partey up in bubble wrap in preparation for the North London Derby. He shouldn’t play any part on Monday night. Thus, Elneny is poised to make just his fourth start of the season in all competitions after missing much of the Europa League group stage due to injury.
Fabio Vieira (CM) – The summer arrival wasn’t entrusted by the boss to make the difference off the bench against Newcastle, but this is a big chance for Vieira to shine.
Sambi Lokonga (CM) – Remember him? The Belgian has drifted into Gooner obscurity but he should come back in here and function as an #8.
Forwards
Marquinhos (RW) – The Brazilian’s debut appears to have been a bit of a flash in the pan. The young winger has struggled to impress since, although his chances have been limited. With Arteta’s attacking options being rather thin, Marquinhos could make the Spaniard’s starting XI on Monday.
Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Arteta has no choice but to start Nketiah on Monday with Gabriel Jesus out.
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Smith Rowe was pictured in full training ahead of this game, but I think he’ll earn minutes off the bench in the second half. Thus, Martinelli will have to continue down the left with Reiss Nelson still out injured.