Arsenal will take on Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Thursday. Let’s take a look at the team news and probable starting line-up?
The North London club will want to respond in a positive manner after losing 3-1 to the Reds in the Premier League on Monday. After a challenging trip to Leicester, another tough game awaits the Emirates club in the Carabao Cup.
As for injuries, one bit of good news is the return of Sokratis. Arsenal’s official website confirmed that the centre-back is in full training and will be in line to start against the Merseyside team.
In goal, Bernd Leno is likely to be rested and Alex Runarsson could get a chance to make his debut. Arteta is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 formation. David Luiz should keep his place and the Brazilian will be accompanied by William Saliba and Gabriel. They will have a real task on their hands to stop Liverpool’s exhilarating attack.
There will be further changes on the wings with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles sitting out. Cedric Soares and Bukayo Saka should get the nod and Mikel Arteta will hope that these two can provide some impetus in the final third.
In the midfield, the Gunners will bring in Joe Willock to replace Granit Xhaka. Mohamed Elneny will also be making way for Dani Ceballos. The Spaniard was impressive on Monday and will want to pick up from where he left off. The Emirates club struggled in the middle on Monday and they will have to show drastic improvement to have a chance of getting past the Reds.
In attack, it is likely that Arteta will want to go in a different direction from Arsenal’s previous visit to Anfield. Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah will come in and provide an injection of energy. The starting trio from Monday will be rested keeping Sunday’s game against Sheffield United in mind.
Predicted Arsenal Starting Lineup vs Liverpool(Carabao Cup) 3-4-3:
Alex Runarsson, William Saliba, David Luiz, Gabriel, Cedric Soares, Bukayo Saka, Dani Ceballos, Joe Willock, Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah
