Arsenal Predicted XI: Blackpool (H)
Whilst it’s understandable for one eye to be on the weekend’s game against Liverpool, Arsenal have a huge chance of progressing to a cup quarter-final, so they should not be looking past Wednesday night’s clash with League One Blackpool.
Unai Emery is dealing with a bit of an injury crisis in defence, whilst he has players who he’d like to give a rest to, if possible.
With that taken into account, here’s the XI we think he’ll select for the game:
Petr Cech
Bernd Leno looks to be Arsenal’s number one in the league, so it makes sense for Petr Cech to get a run out in this one.
Stephan Lichtsteiner
Stephan Lichtsteiner replaced the injured Hector Bellerin at Selhurst Park and is likely to stay in the side.
Rob Holding
Rob Holding will be needed at the back if Emery rests Shkodran Mustafi as expected.
Sokratis
Sokratis seems to be a regular in Arsenal’s second-string sides.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is back playing after he fractured his leg and we think Emery will pick him at left-b
Granit Xhaka
With so many injuries at left-back, Granit Xhaka had been filling in there but we think he’ll move back to the midfield.
Matteo Guendouzi
Matteo Guendouzi has been impressive this season and he’ll get the chance to show his skills against the League One side.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will hope to show Emery that he deserves a regular place in Emery’s best XI.
Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey is leaving in the summer and he’ll be keen to add another medal before he goes and the League Cup provides a perfect opportunity for that.
Emile Smith-Rowe
Youngster Emile Smith-Rowe has been impressive in the League Cup and Europa League and he’ll be keen to show the Emirates faithful how good he is once again.
Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck is very much seen as a backup option at present, so he’ll be looking to add to his goals tally against the League One defence and goalkeeper.
