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Arsenal are set to travel to Fratton Park to take on Championship side Portsmouth in a FA Cup third-round fixture on Sunday afternoon.
Following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion, the Gunners had a glorious opportunity to extend the lead at the top of the Premier League table.
However, they only managed to come away with a 0-0 draw against a struggling Liverpool side in midweek. As a result, they are currently at the top of the table with a six-point lead.
Team news
Cristhian Mosquera has been out injured in recent weeks due to an ankle issue and is likely to remain sidelined this weekend as well. Moreover, Riccardo Calafiori may also be unable to play due to his injury.
Piero Hincapié picked up a knock against Liverpool and was taken off early in the second half, making him a major doubt. There is also a question mark whether Kai Havertz would be able to play in this game.
Predicted line-up
Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to be called upon to start in goal ahead of David Raya in this cup fixture. At the same time, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes may continue as a centre-back pairing if none of Calafiori, Hincapié, and Mosquera can play in this encounter.
Ben White could start in the right-back position, so Jurrien Timber may get a breather, while Myles Lewis-Skelly would be on the opposite side for Arsenal.
Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard should get a rest this weekend. Therefore, Christian Norgaard, Mikel Merino, and Eberechi Eze could be the midfield trio. Ethan Nwaneri is likely to feature as a substitute.
Noni Madueke is expected to commence on the right flank ahead of Bukayo Saka, while Gabriel Martinelli might be on the opposite side. In that case, Leandro Trossard may feature off the bench.
Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to showcase his best in recent months and desperately needs a goal. However, Gabriel Jesus is set to get the nod to start in the centre-forward position for the North London club this weekend.
Expected Arsenal line-up vs Portsmouth
Kepa; Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Eze, Norgaard, Merino; Martinelli, Jesus, Madueke
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