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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Man City: How strong will Mikel go for FA Cup tie?

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 22, 2023. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 22, 2023. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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For the first time in seemingly forever, Mikel Arteta has a team selection dilemma.

Arsenal’s settled starting XI has been a major factor in their impressive 2022/23 campaign thus far, with the Gunners currently sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Seven players have started every league game thus far, and the return of the FA Cup allows Arteta to rotate his side.

The problem, however; it’s City away.

An unfavourable draw means Arsenal will make the trip to the Etihad on Friday night in a bid to reach the fifth round of the competition. Just how strong the boss goes is an intriguing sub-plot in the build-up to this cup tie.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Man City – FA Cup

Here’s the starting XI we think Arteta will opt for.

Emile Smith Rowe (L) could make his first start of the season on Friday night. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Emile Smith Rowe (L) could make his first start of the season on Friday night. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matt Turner (GK) – Turner’s proven his competence this season, with his work in possession improving dramatically. He deserves more minutes, and this is a great opportunity to hand him some meaningful action.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Ben White struggled against Marcus Rashford last time out, with Tomiyasu coping a little better in the second period. The Japanese international has been a bit-part player for much of the season due to White’s brilliance, but we shouldn’t forget how stout he is.

William Saliba (CB) – I don’t want to see Rob Holding against Erling Haaland or Julian Alvarez, for that matter.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian has an able deputy in new signing Jakub Kiwior, but I don’t envisage Arteta chucking the young Pole into the cauldron for his debut. Thus, Gabriel should continue in the team.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Oleksandr Zinchenko will undoubtedly want to play against his former side, but I think Arteta rotates here with Tierney coming back in. Zinchenko’s magic has thrust KT to the backbenches.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Mohamed Elneny is out injured, and Sambi Lokonga would get burned alive if he was deployed at the base of midfield against Guardiola’s champions. Arteta has little choice but to start Partey on Friday.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – In a rotated XI, Xhaka’s leadership could be key at the Etihad.

Emile Smith Rowe (CM) – Arteta is easing Smith Rowe back after he returned from his lengthy absence earlier this month. This could be his first start of the season, but it might come in a rather unfamiliar function.

Forwards

Fabio Vieira (RW) – We’ve rarely seen Fabio Vieira perform this function since his arrival, but I think it might

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Arteta has no other choice but to continue with the man of the moment up top at the Etihad. Nketiah scored twice against Oxford Utd to help the Gunners into the fourth round.

Leandro Trossard (LW) – This is why he joined the club! Gabriel Martinelli needs a rest and following a promising cameo off the bench last Sunday, Trossard should make his first Arsenal start on Friday.