The experienced attacker joined the Gunners on loan on transfer deadline day but is yet to start a match for his new club.
Sterling, though, is in line to play at the Emirates Stadium this evening in a clash that will see Mikel Arteta make a host of changes following the weekend's exhausting visit to Manchester City which saw the Gunners play the entire second half with 10 men after Leandro Trossard was sent off towards the end of the opening 45 minutes.
The 29-year-old has made two substitute appearances since arriving from Stamford Bridge, one in the Premier League win over Tottenham and another in last week's European draw against Atalanta.
But Sterling is set to be handed the opportunity to stake his claim for a regular role in tonight's match.
Raheem Sterling is expected to make his first start for Arsenal tonight since joining on loan from Chelsea
Elsewhere, goalkeeper David Raya, who was sporting a bandage and carried a limp as he left the Etihad Stadium, is expected to be rested with 16-year-old Jack Porter tipped for his debut.
Academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri is also hoping for his first ever senior start in attack against the League One outfit.
Nwaneri is expected to be handed more minutes in the coming weeks as captain Martin Odegaard completes his rehabilitation from a significant ankle ligament injury.