Arsenal will take on Crystal Palace in an EFL Cup quarter final clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to land more silverware at Arsenal, having not claimed any major honours since the FA Cup triumph that came very early on in his tenure.
The EFL Cup represents a great opportunity for Arsenal to get their hands on a trophy, which would provide this squad with an enormous confidence boost.
Arteta will certainly be keen to see his side rediscover their spark after their poor showing in the goalless Premier League draw against Everton last time out.
Arsenal injury news
Arsenal have endured a defensive injury crisis recently, and still have some key players sidelined.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are long-term absentees who will play no part in this fixture.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori are also out of action, but Declan Rice has been declared fit to return to the squad.
However, Arteta may not wish to rush Rice back into the starting XI for this fixture.
Mikel Arteta not drawn on Raheem Sterling issue
Raheem Sterling has barely featured for the Gunners in recent weeks, or much at all really since his summer arrival on loan from Chelsea.
Arsenal fans have questioned the decision to sign Sterling, as it now seems abundantly obvious that the manager lacks faith in the winger.
Despite Gabriel Martinelli having come under fire recently, and Leandro Trossard not being at his best, the Spanish coach has still been reluctant to call upon the 30-year-old.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of this EFL Cup tie, Arteta was dismissive of concerns surrounding Sterling. When asked if there was a specific reason for his lack of game time, the Spanish coach simply said: “No.”
It is difficult to say if Sterling will be given the nod against Crystal Palace, but if he isn’t then there really is no hope of him making an impact at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Ethan Nwaneri could be set for Arsenal striker role
On the other hand, Ethan Nwaneri is almost certain to start.
The 17-year-old has already netted three times in the EFL Cup this season in just two outings in the competition.
The Hale End academy wonderkid’s eye for goal hasn’t gone unnoticed either, as Arteta has suggested that Nwaneri could become a striker in the future.
For now, though, the teen sensation will be handed a midfield role, and he will be eager to make more progress against the Eagles.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Crystal Palace in EFL Cup
Myles Lewis-Skelly deserves to keep his place at left-back, and Mikel Merino needs game time to play his way into form after an underwhelming and injury-hit start to his Arsenal career.
Gabriel Jesus remains desperate for a goal and will likely to be given another chance to get on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace.
David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino; Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus
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