Arsene Wenger is hoping to field some of Arsenal’s promising youngsters in Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup fixture against West Bromwich Albion, but we will most likely see an experienced backline in action as the Frenchman looks to end the Gunners trophy drought.
In goal Lukasz Fabianski should get the nod ahead of Viviano, but that remains the only question, Szczesny will be rested.
Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna will be afforded rests with Koscielny also having a breather. Club Captain Thomas Vermaelen will return to the fray alongside the BFG, with Carl Jenkinson and Nacho Monreal expected to start as the full backs.
Serge Gnabry is likely to his second consecutive start for the Arsenal first team after given the nod close to kick-off on Sunday, while Arteta will make his first start of the season after overcoming an injury sustained in pre-season.
Ryo Miyaichi is a likely candidate for the left wing and the young Japan international will be hoping there will be no repeat of the Torres-esk miss he managed against the West Brom U21 side recently.
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Centrally there are two spots up for grabs, Flamini is the likely candidate to be called upon to sit alongside/behind Arteta.
Young German Thomas Eisfeld looks the most likely to round-out midfield in the creative midfield role and will no doubt want to impress.
Up front Giroud will make way for either Nicklas Bendtner or Chuba Apkom, most likely the former who is looking to get his career back on track after finally regaining fitness.
Probable lineup:
Fabianski
Jenkinson Merteasacker Vermaelen (c) Monreal
Arteta Flamini
Eisfeld
Gnabry Ryo
Bendtner
Likely substitute appearances:
Akpom: The young striker could get a run out if things go well for Arsenal, it is Bendtner’s first competitive match for some time so it I doubt he can last a full 90 minutes.
Possible alternate lineup:
Viviano
Jenkinson Mertesacker Vermaelen(c) Monreal
Arteta Flamini
Eisfeld
Gnabry Ryo
Bendtner
What are your thoughts Gooners?? Wenger said he could improvise further forward, and Arteta is no stranger to playing ‘in the hole’ as he used to for Everton. With the Ox and Rosicky out injured it is either Arteta or Zelalem that will likely start behind the striker. Özil will almost certainly be rested.
Comment below with your thoughts and ideas!
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