Ashley Cole will presumably be replaced by Gael Clichy, whose opportunities have recently been limited to a few substitute appearances, mainly in midfield. Robert Pires could have missed out anyway, as he did earlier in the season. Arsenal look slightly less able to control things without Dennis Bergkamp's presence, so we can expect him to partner Henry and Reyes to move to the left wing. The third player is Edu, so we should get the chance to see how Cesc Fabregas works as a partner for Patrick Vieira (Gilberto being out for a month or more with a back problem).

Wenger says he's tempted to rest Sol Campbell too, seeing as it'll be his third game in a week and since that week has been his first week back from injury. But Sol will probably play because Clichy plays - Wenger preferrng not to make too many changes in defence at the same time. The decision to rest Ash rather than Sol is down to a slightly tight hamstring, and a knock on his knee. But it's still possible that Cygan will comne in for Campbell.

Franny Jeffers is expected to play against Arsenal for the first time since his permanent move away. He has had a neck injury but is thought to have recovered sufficiently. Similarly, Matt Holland and Sean Bartlett are expecte to have recovered from ankle problems.