London outfit Arsenal were bought down to ground this weekend as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Middlesbrough at the Emirates on Saturday. The Gunners failed to break the deadlock on the night as Aitor Karanka’s side halted their 6-match winning streak in the league early this season. However, Wenger will now turn his attention towards their League Cup game against Reading on Tuesday. Playing at the Emirates, Arsenal will be expected to win this game and here is the predicted lineup that they might field on the night:
Team News:
The manager will be without the services of Santo Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey as the trio are not close to full fitness for this game. Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck remains the long-term absentees while Granit Xhaka will have to sit out, serving the suspension he picked up in the game against Swansea.
David Ospina:
A decent outing in the Champions League recently will give Ospina another chance in this League Cup game against Reading.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles:
Though not a regular in the senior squad, Niles did a decent job in the previous League Cup outing and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Rob Holding:
The summer buy for Arsenal, Holding did a decent job at the start of the season but he will now be reduced to appearances in the cup games like this clash against Reading.
Gabriel:
Did a decent job when called upon recently and should start this game besides Holding at the heart of the defense for the Gunners on the night.
Kieron Gibbs:
Another player who has impressed in the Champions League outing recently, Gibbs will get a chance to impress his manager as the left-back on the night.
Mohamed El Neny:
Injuries to key players in the midfield will see El Neny start his second game in 4 days for the Gunners early this season.
Francis Coquelin:
A decent performance in the game against Middlesbrough should see Coquelin keep his place in the midfield for Arsenal.
Chuba Akpom:
Another player for Arsenal who did a decent job in the last League Cup game, Akpom will get another chance to prove himself to the manager this week against Reading.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide:
The 18-year old is one of the most highly rated youngsters at the club and he will get his chance to impress the manager in the League Cup this week.
AlexOxlade-Chamberlain:
The English winger has been waiting for his chance to show his quality and he will play an important role for his side in this game against Reading.
Lucas Perez:
Slowly settling into the squad at the Emirates, Perez should start this game, leading the attacking line for the Gunners as he tries to get himself ready for the challenges of the Premier League.