Arsenal get their FA Cup campaign under way on Sunday with a third round tie against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. While Mikel Arteta might have been hoping for a slightly cushier tie like last season's trip to League One Oxford United at the same stage of the competition, it's a chance to knock out one of the Gunners' main competitors for the trophy early on.
Despite the tough tie, Arteta is expected to rotate his side heavily. The game presents a chance for the likes of Aaron Ramsdale to come in for his first start since last month's draw with PSV in the final Champions League group stage game. Ramsdale continues to be linked with a move away from the Emirates, but Arteta is keen to keep the 25-year-old and a decent cup run could be his best chance of proving his worth to Gareth Southgate ahead of the upcoming Euros this summer.
Hale Enders Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe could also get a chance to shine. Smith Rowe is yet to start a match since sustaining a knee injury in November's 5-0 win over Sheffield United. Nelson on the other hand has not started in the Premier League since project restart.
Both could give the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli a rest on the day against Liverpool. The latter two have come in for criticism recently for their finishing ability in front of goal and have looked as though they could use a break.
One other area where Arteta may look to rotate is the defence. The Spaniard's hand may actually be forced somewhat by circumstance. Takehiro Tomiyasu will join up with the Japan squad for the Asian Cup on Friday, making him unavailable for the game. Oleksandr Zinchenko meanwhile has a calf problem that saw him miss the New Year's Eve defeat to Fulham, and Jurrien
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