Arsenal are set to take on Watford at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday in the FA Cup quarter final, with the hope of reaching their third semi final in as many seasons, looking for another domestic cup triumph.
Having beaten Championship side Hull City on Tuesday evening in the fifth round at the KC Stadium by four goals to nil, the north London side will go into the game full of confidence, knowing they have a real shot at more silverware in the coming months.
Their opponents, however, come into the game in stuttering form. The likes of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney have dried up in the goals department, while their league form of no wins in their last four – since beating Crystal Palace almost a month ago, will come as a worry.
Arsenal will have to rotate once again with a number of players rested midweek, so who will start in Sunday’s affair?
Goalkeeper: David Ospina
The Colombian goalkeeper will keep his place in the side. Arsene Wenger trust him and he deserves it at the moment, he’s played well.
It would’ve been good to see Matt Macey, but it’s unlikely.
Right back: Hector Bellerin
Bellerin will be brought back in at full-back as the competition begins to hot up.
His performances are reliable, he’s well rested and will be brought back in.
Centre back: Per Mertesacker
The towering German is fit to start after being brought off midweek against Hull.
He’ll have a job on his hands handling Ighalo and Deeney.
Centre back: Calum Chambers
It would be interesting to see the partnership of Chambers and Mertesacker, although if Gabriel is fit, expect him to start.
The England international’s future will likely be through the middle, so Wenger will want to test him here where possible.
Left back: Kieran Gibbs
There’s no point bringing Nacho Monreal back into the team if he’s not 100% fit.
Gibbs can do a decent enough job, especially at home.
Centre midfield: Francis Coquelin
The Frenchman will make his return into the squad after his sending off against Spurs meant that he was allowed to sit out the Hull game midweek.
A bit more disciplined this week please, Coquelin.
Centre midfield: Mohamed Elneny
Elneny has been hugely impressive since coming into the side and looks certain to regain his place in the starting XI.
His performances are assured and give balance to the team both going forward and defensively.
Right wing: Joel Campbell
Campbell deserves a start.
He’s so, so good. Did you see his assist midweek for Walcott’s goal?
The Costa Rican is quite the impressive performer and will be an important outlet.
Attacking midfield: Alex Iwobi
Iwobi could start ahead of Mesut Ozil this weekend.
He’s started in every FA Cup game this season and deserves to once again, it just comes down to his fitness.
Wenger, as much as he won’t believe Arsenal can’t beat Barcelona midweek, will rest Ozil where he can for such important ties.
Left wing: Alexis Sanchez
One man he won’t leave out is Alexis.
The Chilean looks to be coming back to his best form after scoring against Spurs and if left out for too long, could lose morale.
If he bangs a goal or two against Watford, he could come into form at exactly the right time.
Centre forward: Danny Welbeck
Welbeck has looked really good since coming back into action and deserves a start.
He’s rested, fit and agile, if he adds that goalscoring touch and more conviction in the final third, he could be a vital option to consider.