The Gunners escaped dropping all three points on their trip to the Dean Court in the first game of the new year in the Premier League this season. A stoppage time goal from Olivier Giroud, who is quickly turning into the saviour for Arsene Wenger this season, gave them a point from this game to keep them within reach of Chelsea at the top. But the Gunners are given a break this week from Premier League action as they are now busy with the third round of the FA Cup that will be played this weekend. The Gunners will travel to Preston this weekend for the third round of the FA Cup and Wenger will hope that his fringe side can get the work done in this game. Here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game:
Here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game:
Team News:
The Gunners are still without the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Debuchy, Per Mertesacker and Theo Walcott for this game. Playmaker Mesut Ozil, defender Kieran Gibbs and midfielder Francis Coquelin are all expected to be fit for this game. Mohamed El Neny is out on international duty and will also be missed.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
David Ospina:
Giving Petr Cech a much-needed rest, Ospina, who has not started a game for the Gunners for almost a month now, should get his chance in this game.
Carl Jenkinson:
Though not a trusted option at the back for Wenger, Jenkinson should get his chance in this game to relieve Hector Bellerin of his duties at the back.
Gabriel Paulista:
Having got close to half an hour under his belt in the league game against the Cherries, Gabriel should get a chance to start this FA Cup game.
Rob Holding:
The forgotten centre back for Arsenal, Rob Holding, will get his chance to prove himself in this game against Reading.
Kieran Gibbs:
Was subbed off in the previous game after picking up a knock but is fine and should be pushed back into the starting XI for this clash.
Francis Coquelin:
Another player who picked up a knock in the previous game, Coquelin was also subbed off during the game but should get back to action this weekend for this FA Cup tie.
Aaron Ramsey:
The Welsh international played the full 90 minutes in the game against the Cherries and he should get another start in the midfield for Arsenal for this game.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide:
The youngster has been the first choice player for Wenger in games like these and he will get a chance to prove himself in this FA Cup game this weekend.
Mesut Ozil:
Having missed the last couple of games through injury, Ozil should be fresh and ready to go and should start this game against Preston.
Oxlade-Chamberlain:
The English winger was effective coming on as a sub in the first half in the previous game and should get into the starting XI to add some width to Arsenal’s attack on the night.
Lucas Perez:
Though impressive at times on the flank, Perez is a genuine striker and should be pushed back into his natural role for this domestic cup tie.