Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Confirmed lineup, team news and injury latest for FA Cup tie as Leandro Trossard starts….

Mikel Arteta is faced with a delicate balancing act as Arsenal prepares to face Liverpool in the FA Cup third round. The Gunners have shown signs of fatigue in their recent defeats to West Ham and Fulham during the festive period. Participating in a cup competition should, in theory, offer them the opportunity to rest and recover.

However, Arteta will undoubtedly be keen to avoid a third consecutive loss, as it would undoubtedly be considered a crisis for Arsenal. Fielding a heavily rotated team against a formidable opponent like Liverpool carries its own risks. Furthermore, the potential consequences for team confidence cannot be overlooked.

Finding a happy medium between these two perspectives will undoubtedly be challenging. Fortunately, Mikel Arteta can rely on the expertise of football.london’s Arsenal writers, Kaya Kaynak and Tom Canton, who are available to assist with their team selections.

Arsenal must make some strategic changes for their upcoming game against Liverpool, as they seek to alleviate the pressures of the Premier League. In order to inject some excitement into the team, I am taking some daring risks. Unfortunately, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have not been performing up to par.

Considering this, I believe it is necessary to introduce more control in the midfield while still maintaining the versatility that players like Kai Havertz bring to the team. Therefore, just as he did in the Community Shield, the German will lead the line.

Joining him on the left-hand side is Bukayo Saka, accompanied by Emile Smith Rowe, who will return to the role that propelled him to earn the prestigious No.10 shirt. Martinelli will benefit from some time on the bench, allowing another player, like the talented England international, to take the field and be motivated to perform exceptionally.

Jorginho takes charge of the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, providing control in the middle third. Rice’s positioning on the left side of the midfield aims to offer additional support to Arsenal’s vulnerable left flank, which has faced criticism recently.

There is hope that Oleksandr Zinchenko will recover in time for the game, as Mikel Arteta hinted during his press conference. Alongside Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Ben White complete the defensive lineup. In goal, Aaron Ramsdale is expected to start, and any alternative outcome would likely disappoint the fans who have been longing for his return.

The confirmed Arsenal starting eleven against Liverpool consists of Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Smith Rowe.