Arsenal are hosting Chelsea at the Emirates for their second-round semi-final tie of the EFL League Cup on Thursday, 17 January 2018. The final push for either side to face Manchester City in the finals and judging from the turnout in the opening leg, this is a match both managers will be eager to win.
Chelsea scrapped past a motivated Norwich City side in their FA Cup third round fixture through the penalty shootouts and still have a chance to win silverware. However, Arsenal’s seasonal ambitions hit a new low when Arsene Wenger’s men fell 4-2 against Nottingham Forest and bowed out of the FA Cup.
Fans were left outraged over such a disastrous display at City Grounds and a trophy of some sorts should come as a consolation now that the club is struggling to make it in the top four of the Premier League. Getting one over will inspire the side to finish the season on a strong note and Wenger is expected to field his strongest side.
A few players returned from injury to thrash Crystal Palace 4-1 last Saturday and after a long time, the Gunners looked like their usual self. The Eagles bowed out in the first half allowing the opposition to score all their goals in the opening 22 minutes and got completely outclassed offensively.
Wenger is expected to field his men in the 3-4-3 formation.
Defence
David Ospina holds the tag of the ‘Cup Keeper’ and is expected to get the nod ahead of Petr Cech in between the sticks.
The defensive back 3 is expected to be filled with Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal. Koscielny returned from his short spell on the sidelines and was impressive against the Eagles while Monreal had to be taken off early after breaking the deadlock.
Midfield
Hector Bellerin should see himself starting in the right wing back position with Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the left. Sead Kolasinac is expected to make a substitute appearance in later stages if a defensive option is required.
Jack Wilshere has been the best player for Arsenal in recent weeks and is expected to pair up with Granit Xhaka around the centre circle.
Attack
Alexandre Lacazette should get the nod with Olivier Giroud still ruled out with an injury. He finally ended his seven-match goal drought with a smashed in the effort against Palace and will be eager to improve upon his tally for the season. The Frenchman might get flanked by Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi with the latter on the left.
