Arsenal will lock horns with Liverpool at the Emirates on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a win in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup competition. The Gunners will be heading into the contest on the back of a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the same contest, whereas the Reds recorded a 3-0 win against Brentford on January 16.
Team News
Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu were out of the first leg with minor injuries, whereas Martin Odegaard tested positive for COVID-19 moments before kick-off.
Both Cedric and Bukayo Saka limped off injured at Anfield, while Granit Xhaka is set to miss the clash through suspension.
“He felt something in the last minutes, he was really fatigued,” Arteta told reporters regarding Saka.
“I don’t know. He’s a young boy and he recovers really quickly.
“But he’s played a lot of minutes in the last few months so let’s see who is available.”
Besides, Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are currently at the African Cup of Nations.
Mikel Arteta will probably opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation with a couple of tweaks from the last game. In midfield, Calum Chambers might get the nod over Granit Xhaka, whereas Takehiro Tomiyasu looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-2-3-1 Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs Liverpool
Defence
Aaron Ramsdale will continue to operate between the sticks for the upcoming home encounter. The England shot-stopper will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Thursday.
Gabriel will continue to form the centre-half partnership with Ben White at the heart of Arsenal’s backline.
Kieran Tierney is a guaranteed starter at the left-back position, whereas Takehiro Tomiyasu might fill in on the other flank as the right-back. The duo would be looking to stretch the opposition backline and create meaningful chances for the front-men.
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Midfield
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Calum Chambers will fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more defensive role. Emile Smith-Rowe will slot into the attacking midfield role.
Smith-Rowe will be accompanied by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka and on either side, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Attack
Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line for the hosts on Thursday. The French striker will fancy his chances of finding the back of the net when he faces off against the Liverpool defence that has kept two clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.
Eddie Nketiah will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he might be called upon in the latter stages of the game if needed.
