Arsenal beat Leeds United 4-1 in the Premier League during the weekend and with those three points, Mikel Arteta has managed to take his side into the top-four of the table.
Yes, the Gunners have played more games than their closest rivals but moving into the top-four will undoubtedly be a major confidence booster. Next up, Arsenal take on Sunderland in the League Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday and the North London side will be eager to keep their winning streak going.
Sunderland stand no chance at beating Arsenal and Mikel Arteta is likely to take this opportunity to rest some of his key players during this busy schedule. Arsenal are one of those rare sides who have an almost fully-fit squad so the manager is sure to make a series of changes in midweek.
Sunderland are unbeaten in four games coming into Tuesday’s quarter-final game but the Gunners should be able to pick up an easy win purely based on the quality they have in their squad at the moment.
Arsenal team news and updates:
Bernd Leno is going to come into the side to replace Aaron Ramsdale and even the backline will see a total reshuffle. Tomiyasu picked up a muscle injury during the Leeds United game which means Soares is going to get a rare start.
The manager told the press: “It was more of a muscular injury. He’s got a big load on him because he’s played every single minute since he’s joined us and even this week he’s been struggling a little bit. We decided to take him off, he wasn’t 100 per cent confident to continue in the game, and hopefully he’s not injured.”
Pablo Mari has tested positive for COVID which means Calum Chambers is going to line up in central defence alongside Rob Holding.
Albert Sambi Lokonga is another player who is quarantining after testing positive which means Thomas Partey might have to start in the middle of the pitch.
The manager can select the pairing of Elneny and Maitland-Niles in that role but we think Arteta will want one senior pro who can dictate the play.
Bukayo Saka will get a much-deserved rest which will allow Nicolas Pepe to come into the starting line-up. Pepe has fallen down the pecking order this season, playing only eight league games so far so a match against Sunderland is going to be ideal for him to get his confidence back.
Aubameyang has been frozen out by the Arsenal manager which means Lacazette will once again lead the line since Nketiah is expected to replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Arsenal predicted line up vs Sunderland:
Predicted Starting Line up: Leno; Tavares, Holding, Calum Chambers, Soares; Elneny, Thomas Partey; Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pepe, Nketiah; Lacazette.
