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The Emirates plays host to a Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace.
This is a big night for Mikel Arteta, whose team was subject to a few boos at the final whistle on Saturday after supporters were subject to an abject stalemate. Arsenal have won just half of their 16 Premier League outings this term, and many are doubting this side's capacity to stage a title challenge given their inability to turn control and dominance into open-play goals.
Their stuttering league form has increased the significance of Wednesday's cup tie. This is a great opportunity for Arsenal to claim silverware - their second (proper) trophy of the Arteta era.
The Gunners have struggled in the domestic cups under the Spaniard since their FA Cup triumph in 2020, and fans want to see this team success. This is a fanbase that's endured the process and now wants to revel in glory.
Thus, I'm not expecting wholesale changes for Palace's midweek visit. Here's the team Arteta could pick for the quarter-final.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) - Raya's poised to make his first start in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Arteta's turned to a couple of teenagers in the previous rounds.
Jurrien Timber (RB) - This Timber workload is making me sweat, but the boss doesn't have too much choice. There's a dearth of available right-backs.
William Saliba (CB) - The Frenchman has barely put a foot wrong this season and is likely to continue in the team on Wednesday. Ismaila Sarr has speed to burn and he'll undoubtedly put Saliba to the test.
Gabriel (CB) - Gabriel returned from injury at the weekend and Arteta may manage the defender with Jakub Kiwior available. However, given the importance of this game, I suspect he'll retain the Brazilian alongside his tried and trusted partner.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - The teenager's looked serene on his two most recent starts, and he should keep his place at left-back with none of Arsenal's currently injured stars returning to the fold in midweek.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey (DM) - Yeah, I'm done with Partey at right-back. The possession dynamics are hindered far too much. When fit and available, keep him in midfield.
Declan Rice (CM) - Rice was withdrawn on the hour against Everton, but Arteta said the midfield is "fine" ahead of Wednesday's game. He'll be assessed late on, but I think he'll start.
Martin Odegaard (CM) - I wonder if the skipper tuned into Monday Night Football. Thierry Henry pointed out Odegaard's conservatism in possession and lack of dynamic runs in support of Bukayo Saka as factors in Arsenal's attacking malaise. He certainly hasn't been at the races in recent games.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (RW) - It's Saka against the world at the moment, with the Gunners struggling to supply competent support for the superstar winger. Palace will undoubtedly make a concerted effort to slow Saka down over the next few days.
Kai Havertz (ST) - Gabriel Jesus is in contention, but the Brazilian is not a striker you bring in when an uptick in open-play attacking output is required. Thus, Havertz should start by default at the Emirates.
Raheem Sterling (LW) - Sterling is currently serving no purpose and surely it's worth giving him a go given what Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have produced down the left flank over the past month.