Arsenal are back in action just days after they needed a stoppage-time goal to take all three points from their trip to Burnley. The Gunners welcome newbies Huddersfield Town to the Emirates on Wednesday and will hope to retain their spot in the top-4, going into the weekend’s game against Manchester United.
The Terriers are fresh off a loss to Manchester City at the weekend and will hope to put in a stronger performance in this tie. This will be their first-ever appearance at the Emirates and Arsenal will surely start as the favourites. Here is how Wenger might field his side for this tie:
Team News:
Though Wenger is adamant that he will not rest key player in this game for the clash at the weekend. Mesut Ozil is ruled out for this game but the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi may yet make it to the match-day squad.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defence:
Petr Cech remains Wenger’s first choice custodian under the bars and he should retain his place for this midweek fixture. Laurent Koscielny has been effective on the right side of the back line and should start this game along with Shkodran Mustafi, who should start at the heart of the defence for Arsenal.
They will be partnered by Nacho Monreal, retaining Wenger’s preferred backline, just days before the crucial clash against United. They will not have an easy time against an exciting attack led by Depoitre.
Midfield:
Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac have very little competition for their place in the first team and Wenger should stick with them as wing-backs on either side of the midfield in this game.
Granit Xhaka is an important part of the squad at the Emirates as he adds balance to the midfield for this side. He should start this game alongside Aaron Ramsey, who has been effective alongside the Swiss international.
Attack:
Wenger will want all three points from this tie and the game against Manchester United will have little bearing on the team for this game, especially with Mesut Ozil out injured.
However, he might want to rest Lacazette for the showdown on Saturday and Olivier Giroud might be given a chance to lead the attack. Danny Welbeck has been effective on the wing in recent games and he might start on the right wing, with Alexis Sanchez retaining the creativity in the final third, to complete the lineup.
The likes of David Ospina, Alex Iwobi, Alexandre Lacazette, Jack Wilshere and Rob Holding might all make it to the bench.
Here is how they might line up:
