Arsenal will look to pick themselves after a demoralising defeat to Olympiacos when they face Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Monday. The Gunners defeated Bournemouth in the last round, but things could once again be tricky against a Portsmouth side that have performed well in League One this season.
Here is how Arsenal might line up against the third division club on Monday.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup Vs Portsmouth
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Mikel Arteta started with the strongest possible eleven in the defeat to Olympiacos. He is expected to revert those changes, giving opportunities to players who haven’t been able to crack the first-team this season.
Hector Bellerin was woeful in midweek and should be replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back. Meanwhile, Shkodran Mustafi went out injured against Olympiacos. He is likely to miss out this game, with Sokratis ready to replace him at the heart of the four-man backline.
The Greek international could be partnered by Pablo Mari, who is poised to make his first appearance for Arsenal after joining the club in the January transfer window. Rob Holding is another alternative should the Spaniard starts on the bench for this one.
Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka could be forced to start at left-back once again, with both Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney out injured. And finally, Bernd Leno could make way for Emiliano Martinez in goal as Arteta rings in the changes.
Midfield
Matteo Guendouzi is tipped to return to the Arsenal midfield. The Frenchman has fallen out of favour under Arteta, it seems, and a strong performance against Portsmouth could be imperative if he is to regain the manager’s trust.
Lucas Torreira is another player set to return to the starting lineup. The Uruguayan made a positive impact after coming on from the bench against Olympiacos. He could replace Granit Xhaka, who deserves a much-needed rest as Arsenal look to prepare themselves for an important clash against West Ham next weekend.
Attack
Joe Willock is expected to replace Mesut Ozil in the number ten role. He is one of the players worth looking forward to, alongside attacking partners in Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli, in particular, surprisingly did not feature for Arsenal up until the final phase of the game, in the defeat to Olympiacos. He will look to prove what the Gunners were missing with a fiery performance against Portsmouth.
And finally, the Arsenal attack is likely to be led by Eddie Nketiah. The youngster scored the opener in the win over Everton last weekend, and this could be an ideal opportunity for him to make a further impact in the first-team.
