Arsenal take on Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the League Cup in midweek and the Gunners could very well be staring at yet another defeat.
Arsenal have not picked up a win in their last seven domestic fixtures and even though Arteta would want to progress to the next round it will be near impossible for a deflated Gunners side to pick up a win against Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
Apart from the poor form, Arsenal have a number of absentees meaning the manager will once again struggle to name his strongest XI in midweek.
The North London side have failed to score against City in the last three meetings at the Emirates and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they cannot find the back of the next this time as well.
Arsenal team news vs Manchester City:
Gabriel will return to the starting XI after his suspension and will slot into the three-man central defence alongside Holding and Kieran Tierney. David Luiz will drop to the bench.
Granit Xhaka is still unavailable due to suspension meaning Dani Ceballos will keep his place in the team. The manager would want to give Elneny a much-deserved rest and this could see young Joe Willock come into the side.
Summer signing Thomas Partey is still recovering from his thigh injury and will not be available.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles played as the right wing-back against Everton on Saturday in the Premier League but he will move to the bench as Hector Bellerin reprises his role.
Aubameyang missed the weekend’s game due to a slight calf problem and as per the latest reports, the Gabon international will not be fit in time to take on Manchester City.
The absence of Auba means Willian and Nicolas Pepe will both keep their place in the first XI with the former playing on the right flank.
Nketiah started up front against the Toffees and the youngster is likely to make way for Alexandre Lacazette.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
