Arsenal will aim to return to winning ways when they face Port Vale in the Carabao Cup third round tonight.
The Gunners played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
City scored an early goal in the ninth minute. They opted to defend their lead and almost succeeded in doing so.
Gabriel Martinelli equalised for the Gunners with a sublime goal in the 93rd minute.
Against Port Vale, manager Mikel Arteta should make wholesale changes. We anticipate at least nine from the recent stalemate.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
Arteta has already confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga will make his debut in goal for the Gunners.
We anticipate at least three changes to the backline at Vale Park.
Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly are expected to replace Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori respectively in the right and left-back positions.
Cristhian Mosquera could come in for William Saliba, who has just returned from an ankle issue. He is expected to partner with Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence.
Gabriel is poised to captain the Gunners against the League One outfit, with Martin Odegaard having already been ruled out of the contest by the manager.
Odegaard could return against Newcastle United on Sunday. Centre-back Piero Hincapie has also been ruled out of tonight’s game due to a minor groin problem.
In midfield, we predict Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino to make way. Christian Norgaard should make his maiden start in the no.6 role with Zubimendi being rested.
Merino had a bad outing against City, where he almost gave away the second goal in the first half. Ethan Nwaneri should replace the Spain international. Declan Rice will accompany the pair.
In the final third, Max Dowman could make his maiden start on the right wing, given Noni Madueke is injured. Bukayo Saka may not be risked after his recent return from a hamstring injury.
Eberechi Eze could start on the left wing on the back of his brilliant assist against City. Gabriel Martinelli could have a new role upfront, having scored key goals last week operating as a striker.
Viktor Gyokeres deserves a breather as he is the only specialist senior striker fit at the moment. Leandro Trossard should likewise drop to the bench after a mixed performance at the weekend.
How Arsenal could line up vs Port Vale tonight
