It will be an all-Premier League clash on Wednesday in the quarter-final of League Cup when Arsenal take on Southampton at the Emirates. Both managers will be in a dilemma whether to contend with their full strength or go with a weakened XI. A place in the last four of the League Cup is up for grabs but both sides have other priorities too. So, basically, we can expect a contest between the squad players of the two sides.
Here are three key battles those could decide the outcome of the game.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Vs Sam McQueen
Chamberlain has been at Arsenal for quite a long time now but could not really establish himself as a regular first-team player at the Emirates. He is 23 now and still very much a bench player. However, he has been quite instrumental for the Gunners coming off the bench, scoring crucial goals.
Chamberlin has 5 goals and 3 assists from 18 games in all competitions this season and out of those, 3 have been in the League Cup. The pacey wide-man will be up against young Sam McQueen who has been a revelation this season for the Saints. Chamberlain will be expected to test the 21-year-old makeshift left-back and there will be more pressure on the former than the latter.
Lucas Perez Vs Jose Fonte
Perez, Arsenal’s big-money summer signing, has been out of action for more than a month with an injury and could make his return to the starting XI against Southampton. With Giroud getting injured, this could be Perez’s chance to impress the manager and the fans but he will be up against Jose Fonte, who is one of the best defenders in the Premier League right now.
Arsenal are likely to start a much weakened XI and they need Perez to spur them to a victory. But getting past Fonte is easier said than done as he has been a model of consistency in the last few seasons.
Rob Holding Vs Shane Long
Shane Long has struggled for both fitness and form this season. The Irishman is yet to score a single goal this season in 14 games in all competitions. Austin is likely to be rested against Arsenal and this could be his chance to make an impact. Youngster Holding, a summer signing from Bolton, has not played much for the Gunners this campaign.
The experienced striker will be a big test for the highly-rated young defender. Arsenal fans are highly optimistic about Holding’s future at the club and this is a game where his team needs him. We have to wait and see how he fares in the big test.
