Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern have endured a frustrating December following narrow, but defining losses leaving them nine points adrift of the top of the Premier League.

However, an FA Cup trip to Preston North End this weekend could come as a welcome distraction as the Gunners look to win their 3rd FA Cup in 4 years following triumphs in 2014 and 2015.

With that all said, Saturday’s trip to Deepdale will not be as straightforward as it seems. The Lilywhites are currently 11th in the Championship and with the magic of the FA Cup still being very much alive, Arsene Wenger will be aware that anything can happen.

Wenger is expected to give some of his more important players a rest for this cup fixture (as many other managers will) following the hectic Christmas Period though the Gunners will be going into this game as strong favourites to get the job done.

In a constant search for trophies, Gunners fans will want a strong showing in this years FA Cup and our Landlord has a feeling that Arsene Wenge’s side will be amongst the contenders come Cup Final day in May.

Here is the XI (with an England star returning) that will help them get a result.

GK: David Ospina

With Ospina and Emiliano Martinez sharing the Gunners’ cup duties this year, Ospina’s experience should get him in the team ahead of Martinez.

RB: Carl Jenkinson

With Crystal Palace reportedly planning a move for Jenkinson, this may well be his last performance in an Arsenal shirt following the preference of Gabriel as Hector Bellerin’s understudy.

CB: Rob Holding

The England U21 international may well continue his footballing tutorage in this fixture as Wenger looks to give experience to the young centre-back.

CB: Gabriel Paulista

The Brazilian has enjoyed a recent run in the first team following injuries to Hector Bellerin and Shkodran Mustafi and may appear here as Wenger looks to rest the invaluable Laurent Koscielny.

LB: Kieran Gibbs

After picking up an injury at West Brom on Boxing Day, Gibbs may make his return at Deepdale in order to rest Nacho Monreal after a busy festive period.

CM: Francis Coquelin

With Mohammed Elneny at the African Cup of Nations with Egypt, Coquelin is presented with a chance to really stake his claim as an Arsenal regular.

CM: Granit Xhaka

The Gunners will look for steal and dominance in the centre of the park against Preston and will hope Xhaka’s all round game will contribute to this come Saturday.

RM: Lucas Perez

The £17million summer signing has shown glimpses of his ability during the first half of the season but Gunners fans in the Tavern are still waiting to see the real potential of Lucas.

CAM: Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey has had rotten luck with injuries throughout this season (and his career) but will be in contention to make a full return in his favoured position as Mesut Ozi is still struggling with an illness picked up over the festive period.

LM: Danny Welbeck

A return for ‘dat guy’ after a lengthy layoff, Welbeck returned to training in mid-December and an FA Cup tie at Preston could be the perfect fixture to ease the former Man United man into action.

ST: Olivier Giroud

Giroud’s physicality will be needed against Preston as the Gunners look to avoid an upset. Giroud’s form so far this season has been exceptional and will be looking for more goals at Deepdale.