Arsenal face Oxford United next week in the third-round of the FA Cup, and Mikel Arteta will be hopeful of besting last year’s result in England’s oldest cup competition.
The Gunners were beaten by-then Championship side Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal fans will be hopeful that the north London side will be able to get the job done this time around against League One’s Oxford, who have struggled this season.
Sat 14th, even the prospect of playing away at the Kassam Stadium might not be enough for Arsenal to bottle it against Oxford. And after their 0-0 draw against Newcastle United, Arteta will be eager to get a big result ahead of Tottenham the following Sunday.
With that being said, here is Arsenal Insider’s predicted XI for Oxford, with Arteta likely to rotate in what will be a must-win match for the Gunners.
Turner returns in goal with Gabriel retaining centre-back spot
Matt Turner won a lot of plaudits from Arsenal supporters during the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the USA international played a key role in getting America out of their group stage and into the round of 16, and the 28-year-old is expected to start next week against Oxford.
The former New England Revolution star has been a solid backup to Aaron Ramsdale this season, and with the England international due a break, Turner is likely to feature between the sticks in the FA Cup, with Rob Holding and Takehiro Tomiyasu also likely to come in for Arsenal to face Oxford.
With Kieran Tierney fully fit, the Scotland international is also set to start for the Gunners, with Gabriel Magalhaes the only Premier League regular to make our starting XI.
Lokonga earns rare start alongside Elneny and Vieira
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s Arsenal career feels somewhat in limbo, with the Belgian talent hardly featuring this season as rumours are starting to circulate that the midfielder could be ready to move on from north London already. Yet Oxford offers the youngster a rare chance to impress.
With Mohamed Elneny set to return to the XI to give Thomas Partey some much-needed time off, Fabio Vieira takes up the third and final central midfield position, with the Portuguese youngster another player who will be hopeful of causing Oxford some problems.
There will be calls from Arsenal fans from some of Hale End’s most exciting talents, namely Ethan Nwaneri, to start in midfield. But given how rare non-Premier League games will be for the Gunners, minutes to the likes of Lokonga and Vieira will be crucial.
Smith Rowe makes long-awaited Arsenal return in FA Cup clash vs. Oxford
As reported by the Athletic, Emile Smith Rowe is finally set to return to action for Arsenal, with the winger set to make his first start of the 2022/23 season as the Emirates Stadium favourite spent months out on the sidelines due to injury.
With the England international now back, though, Smith Rowe has the chance to make up for lost time with a big performance against Oxford, with Eddie Nketiah leading the line as the 23-year-old looks to add another goal to his growing tally.
Marquinhos completes the attack with the Brazilian youngster not featuring too heavily for Arsenal in recent matches. However, against League One opposition, the South American talent has a chance to shine and to get some fans back on his side.
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