Arsenal were held on a tight leash as they failed extend their 11 game winning streak at Selhurst Park on Sunday with the final score being 2-2. But their attempts to maintain the unbeaten run continues against Blackpool tonight in the Carabao Cup.
It seems Unai Emery uses the first half to study the opponents and the second half to counter them. #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/UuzSw0zA9J
— ARSENAL (@tomgunner14) October 25, 2018
This game would likely feature the youth of Arsenal like Emil Smith-Rowe and Matteo Guendouzi, who have played a very significant role in cup games so far.
The predicted lineup:
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
Bernd Leno is expected to keep his place ahead of Petr Cech. Leno has performed well, given the chances, despite being unlucky in terms of cleansheets kept due to the Gunners’ still-imperfect defensive system.
Defenders: Stephen Lichtsteiner, Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka has proven to be a reliable player at the left-back as the Londoners have declared both the left-backs Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal as injured. Ever since Unai Emery‘s bold move of switching him to a deeper role, although he did concede a penalty last game, it could prove to be a milestone in the forthcoming years in improving the team’s chemistry and also versatility. His free-kick goal against Crystal Palace last game has given a lot of confidence to push through.
Mustafi and Holding have been the current centre-backs as Sokratis Papastathopoulos suffered an ankle injury during international duty.
Stephan Lichsteiner, flying free from Juventus, has indeed added flair.
Midfielders and wingers: Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira, Alex Iwobi, Emil Smith-Rowe, Danny Welbeck
The new recruits, Torreira and Guendouzi have been brilliant since the start of the season. They have proved their worth and hopefully, continue to do so. With Iwobi, Smith-Rowe and Welbeck attacking up front, it is up to them to lead the team’s attack tonight against Blackpool.
Iwobi has been a revelation this season with his pace and finishing capabilities exceeding the expectations of his boss’ at the Emirates.
Welbeck too has blended with the team during the ending moments of the game which in turn makes him a valuable addition to the squad.
Forward: Alexandre Lacazette
The Frenchman has had a great season so far with important goals coming off his lightning-quick feet. His chemistry with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has resulted in him delivering a lot of opportunities for Arsenal which has been one of the reasons for the 10 game unbeaten record.
