Option 1: the last ship is leaving the port
By that we mean there is a number of players whose futures might well be decided this month. Whether Arsenal will entertain loan offers or permanent deals for them, it's their chance to prove themselves.
Matt Macey, William Saliba and Sead Kolasinac are no longer in the category but a bunch of players are: those are predominantly youngsters.
We think Alex Runarsson (who can be delegated to third-choice if he flops), Calum Chambers (yet to appear beyond Europa League), Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun are in this category.
Throw in a sprinkle of unconvincing seniors like Cedric Soares and Nicolas Pepe and you get something like this for our starting XI: Runarsson, Cedric, Chambers, Mari, Niles, Nelson, Willock, Elneny, Pepe, Balogun, Nketiah.
Option 2: retain momentum from winning combination with just a few tweaks
We would be disinclined to risk at the very least Bukayo Saka and Gabi Martinelli. Both have played a lot: the former in general, the latter on return from injury.
Risking Emile Smith Rowe might also not be worth it. He is young, has an injury history to deal with and is much needed in the league to help us pick up points. We would also leave Thomas Partey be - despite Arteta's positive comments on him. Gabriel too doesn't look ready for now.
Starting XI: Leno, Niles, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Ceballos, Xhaka, Pepe, Willian, Aubameyang, Lacazette.
Which XI do you think Arteta should go with? Tell us below!
