Arsenal’s predicted XI to face Leeds United in the FA Cup

What a way to kick off the new year. After failing to taste victory in his initial two games on the touch-line as Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta experienced the winning feeling with his side’s 2-0 triumph over Manchester United.

The Gunners produced one of their finest displays of the season, defensively secure, and with bite and edge to their work off-the-ball. As per Sofascore, they limited the Red Devils to just four shots on target, won more duels (54), and made more tackles (19), interceptions (15) and clearances (18) than their counterparts too.

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It was a performance that Arteta and his players can no doubt be proud of, but their attentions will have swiftly turned to Monday night’s clash with Leeds United in the FA Cup third round. Changes are likely to be made in light of it being the early stages of a cup competition, and with that in mind, below is a look at how the Gunners may potentially line up.

Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper of choice this season, Emiliano Martinez, will likely come into the starting line-up and give regular number one Bernd Leno a rest. In front of him, the Gunners’ injury crisis at the back could force Arteta into naming players who started in the clash against Manchester United. Sead Kolasinac is unlikely to be risked after going off with injury at the Emirates, so Bukayo Saka will come in at left-back, whilst Sokratis and Ainsley Maitland-Niles may keep their places.

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In midfield, Matteo Guendouzi is likely to get his chance to shine from the off, with Joe Willock perhaps being used in a slightly more defensive role – the 20-year-old has played ten times in a number ten role this season. Further forward, other academy graduates Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe may come into the line-up, whilst Dani Ceballos’ inclusion on the bench against United could be an indication that he is now fully recovered from his injury.

Up front, the Gunners will be hoping Gabriel Martinelli is over his hamstring troubles so that the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can be afforded a rest.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans discuss this academy product’s fine performance against Manchester United.