Arsenal face another huge test in their race for fourth place on Saturday when fellow contenders Manchester United visit the Emirates. A win against Chelsea on Wednesday drew the Gunners level on points with Tottenham and a victory in the early kick-off would send them back into the coveted spot.
Mikel Arteta will have watched on delighted as his side beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek, the decision to start Eddie Nketiah vindicated with two goals in the 4-2 victory. Emile Smith Rowe also returned to the starting XI and added another wonderful strike to his collection.
The manager, therefore, has plenty to think about ahead of kick-off today. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also nearing a return to fitness and Arteta admitted that the summer signing could start if passed fit. With that in mind, football.london takes a look at three ways they could line up against United.
Small tweaks
After an impressive display in midweek, it could be seen as rash if Arteta were to change things up too much today. Despite Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette waiting in the wings, Arsenal's attack impressed in their fluidity against the Blues and it would be a surprise if any of them were dropped for this one.
Mohammed Elneny returned to the midfield and formed an impressive unit with Granit Xhaka and while Nuno Tavares did not look to be comfortable once again, limited left-back options will likely see him retain his spot.
The one change is likely to come at right-back. Ben White started in the position on Wednesday with Rob Holding moved to centre-back to partner Gabriel but with Tomiyasu back fit, we could see White return to the middle with the Japan international taking his place on the right side of the Gunners defence.
Revert to type
While there is no doubting the tweaked Arsenal impressed against Chelsea, there is every chance Arteta could be tempted to revert to the XI that has brought him so much success this season. It was a line-up that started to fail him against Crystal Palace and Brighton but sometimes a risk is worth taking.
It would see Lacazette replace Nketiah in attack and more than likely Martinelli come in for Smith Rowe, two moves that would be unpopular to say the least among supporters. But the front three of Lacazette, Martinelli and Saka have arguably produced the Gunners best football this season and could cause a shaky United defence plenty of problems as well.
It is a move that could also see Cedric Soares come in to replace Tavares at left-back in a move to shore up the defence against a potentially menacing if woefully underperforming United front-line.
