Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Blackpool in the Carabao Cup
Arsenal’s eleven-game winning streak finally came to an end as the Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace.
However, few would back against Unai Emery’s men when they face Blackpool in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. Arsenal beat Brentford 3-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup and they will be eyeing for a spot in the last eight on Wednesday.
Blackpool pulled off a surprise 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the previous round but they will be up against it when they face an in-form Arsenal side.
Team News
Unai Emery will have quite a few injuries to contend with for the Carabao Cup tie. Hector Bellerin was subbed off at halftime against Crystal Palace due to muscular cramps and Emery is unlikely to risk him given that they have an important fixture coming up int he Premier League against Liverpool.
Granit Xhaka is expected to continue in the left-position as Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac are yet to recover fully from their hamstring issues. Laurent Koscielny is set to be sidelined for another couple of weeks as he continues to regain fitness following a long-term Achilles injury.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Predicted XI
Petr Cech (GK)
The veteran is back to full fitness after a thigh injury and Emery should hand him a start on Wednesday to keep Bernd Leno fresh for the game against Liverpool.
Stephan Lichtsteiner (RB)
The Swiss international has put in some solid shifts at the back amidst Arsenal’s full-back crisis and should start against Blackpool.
Rob Holding (CB)
Looked sloppy at the back against Crystal Palace but Arsenal do not have enough choices to replace him.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
Gave away a needless penalty at the weekend but Emery might want to keep Sokratis fresh fro the all-important clash against Liverpool.
Granit Xhaka (LB)
He gave away a cheap penalty against Palace but has done a decent job so far in an unfamiliar left-back position.
Mohamed Elneny (CDM)
The Egyptian has established himself as a good back-up for Lucas Torreira for the Europa League and Carabao Cup games.
Matteo Guendouzi (CDM)
The Frenchman put in another good shift in central midfield against Palace and he is likely to start on Wednesday.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)
He hasn’t been particularly impressive this season but should start on Wednesday given that he did not come off the bench against Palace on Sunday.
Emile Smith Rowe (CAM)
The teenager played an important role in the previous round of the Carabao Cup and scored his first goal in the Europa League. Emery should hand him another start given that Arsenal are strong favourites for this fixture.
Alex Iwobi (LW)
Played on the right on Sunday but will be expected to return to his preferred left-wing position for the Carabao Cup game.
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Danny Welbeck (ST)
The English international has resurrected his Arsenal career under Emery this season and he is likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Carabao Cup tie.
