Arsenal team news: Expected XI vs Sunderland with Charlie Patino in contention for debut

Arsenal are just one win from the Carabao Cup semi-final, and have been pitted with the most favourable tie of the tournament with a draw against Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. With a busy Christmas period to contend with, boss Mikel Arteta may name a rotated side ahead of the visit of the League One title hopefuls. Express Sport takes a look at the potential XI the Spaniard may name.

Goalkeeper: Leno

Aaron Ramsdale’s imperious form has resulted in Bernd Leno’s continued absence from the first team.

Having featured in Arsenal’s first three games of the season where they ended August rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, the German has yet to make another appearances since.

His only other contributions were two clean sheets in the Carabao Cup against AFC Wimbledon and Leeds.

But ahead of the busy Christmas period, he is likely to keep his spot as the ‘cup goalkeeper’ against Lee Johnson’s men.

Chambers and Holding are two forgotten men who have bene at Arsenal for a long time.

The pair joined in 2014 and 2016 respectively, although they have made just four league starts between them.

The form of Ben White, Gabriel and Takehiro Tomiyasu has forced Mikel Arteta to use them sporadically in the Premier League.

And they could be joined by further forgotten man Cedric and youngster Nuno Tavares.

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Attack: Pepe, Nketiah, Smith Rowe

Nicolas Pepe remains Arsenal’s record signing since his £73million move from Lille in 2019, although his stats do not match the price tag.

Just five Premier League starts and one assist to show for it means he has become a bit-part player under Mikel Arteta this season.

He could be joined in attack by contract rebel Eddie Nketiah, who has scored in each of Arsenal’s last two Carabao Cup outings – although he has made just 38 minutes of Premier League football this season.

And a start could be in order for Emile Smith Rowe, who has been one of Arsenal’s star men this campaign by notching up eight goals in just 18 Premier League games under Arteta.