Arsenal’s November has not yet ended and a final blow is very much possible in an EFL Cup exit for the club when they face Southampton in the midweek. Arsene Wenger has a list of tricky fixtures coming up in the Premier League and he will surely opt to rest his first team players in this match.
Wenger is known for giving chance to youngsters in these competitions, which means it is yet another chance for the club’s youth academy and scout personnel to shine as their discoveries and refinements take the pitch.
Unlike their last two opponents Reading FC and Nottingham Forest, Southampton are a tougher side and Arsenal have memories of heavy defeats at their hands on previous occasions. However, we still expect Arsenal to go with a largely inexperienced side as has always been the case with the Gunners.
Here, is the predicted Arsenal lineup which will face Southampton.
Defence
Arsenal have been successful so far in categorising tournaments according to their goalkeepers’ pecking order and the fact that Wenger has fielded Emiliano Martinez between the sticks in their EFL Cup campaign, reflects aptly where he prioritises this tournament.
Arsenal’s B-team defence has many talented players, who have repeatedly shown what they are capable of at various occasions.
With Kieran Gibbs likely to captain the side, the left-wing back is expected to have Gabriel and Rob Holding as central defenders by his side. They still have the likes of Krystian Bielik on the bench as cover for that position.
Arsenal’s biggest problem has been the lack of quality in the right defensive position after Carl Jenkinson failing terribly there and Mathieu Debuchy limping off yet again in the league match last weekend.
Arsenal doesn’t have much of a choice but to play Jenkinson there and hopefully, he will give an improved performance this time.
