Midfielders: Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe
Xhaka’s potential move into defence will mean a reshuffle in midfield. Arteta’s selection headache is made worse by an injury suffered by Thomas Partey at Palace.
A thigh issue has been described as “significant” by Arteta. Partey and Xhaka have formed an excellent relationship at the base of midfield, so a total break up of the pair could prove tricky to deal with.
Lokonga could earn a rare start, while Odegaard might be forced to move back from a No. 10 role and play deeper in midfield.
That would allow Smith Rowe to shift infield from the left and play in a more advanced central position.
