Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is likely to tinker with his starting line-up when his side take on Liverpool on Wednesday night.
After going on a run of four wins in a row, the Gunners have not tasted victory in their last two games as a 1-1 draw with Leicester last week was followed by a disappointing 2-1 defeat in the north London derby to Tottenham on Sunday.
That result left Arsenal in ninth place in the Premier League table, and makes them big outsiders for a qualification spot for next season’s Europa League.
However, they do have an FA Cup semi-final to play against Manchester City on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see if that match plays a part in Arteta’s thought process when the Spaniard chooses his side to face the Reds.
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He is expected to remain with a 3-4-3 formation, with Emiliano Martinez keeping his place in goal amid Bernd Leno’s injury and a back three of Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sead Kolasinac likely despite their errors in the loss against Spurs.
Hector Bellerin continues to be linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, and he could well be replaced by Cedric Soares in the line-up for Wednesday’s game on the right.
Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka should continue their partnership in central midfield, with Kieran Tierney the most obvious choice on the left.
Nicolas Pepe flattered to deceive against Spurs, and it would be no surprise indeed to see him replaced by exciting 18-year-old Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
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After his superb strike against Spurs Alexandre Lacazette will surely keep his place in the line-up ahead of Eddie Nketiah, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will hope to get back on the scoresheet as he tries to chase down Jamie Vardy in the race for the Golden Boot.
Arsenal predicted lineup (3-4-3): Martinez; Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac; Soares, Xhaka, Ceballos, Tierney; Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
