Arsenal Lineup: Preston Match Preview & News
The Gunners face a tricky test in the FA Cup third round as they travel to Deepdale to take on Preston North End. While the North End sit comfortably in mid-table in the Championship, they have a history of causing upsets, and Arsenal will need to be at their best to secure progression.
Here's a breakdown of the potential lineup, key news, and what to expect from the game:
Arsenal Lineup: Who Could Start?
Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
- Defence: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney
- Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey
- Attack: Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah
Expected Changes:
With a busy January schedule and a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham looming, Mikel Arteta is likely to rotate his squad. Here's where we might see changes:
- Rotation in Defense: Rob Holding and Takehiro Tomiyasu could feature in the backline, giving the regular starters some rest.
- Midfield Experimentation: Fabio Vieira or Albert Sambi Lokonga might get an opportunity to impress in the middle of the park.
- Attacking Options: Gabriel Jesus is still recovering from injury, but Leandro Trossard could be brought in to add fresh legs to the front line.
Preston Match Preview: What to Expect?
Preston are a well-organized side with a clear identity. They are comfortable playing on the counter-attack and have a strong aerial presence.
Key Factors to Watch:
- Arsenal's Attack: Can Arsenal break down Preston's defense and create enough chances to win comfortably?
- Set Pieces: Preston are dangerous from set pieces and Arsenal will need to be aware of their threat.
- Rotation Impact: Will Arsenal's rotation disrupt their flow and allow Preston to exploit any weaknesses?
Arsenal News: Key Updates
- Gabriel Jesus Injury: The Brazilian striker remains sidelined with a knee injury and his return date is still uncertain.
- Transfer News: Arsenal are linked with a move for a number of players, including Mykhaylo Mudryk. However, it remains to be seen if any deals will be completed before the transfer window closes.
- League Form: Arsenal sit at the top of the Premier League table and are looking to maintain their winning form.
Conclusion
The FA Cup tie against Preston offers a chance for Arsenal to gain valuable experience and maintain their momentum. While the North End are a formidable opponent, the Gunners should have enough quality to secure a win. Expect a rotated lineup, but one that is still focused on securing victory and progressing to the next round.