Predicted Arsenal line-up to face Brentford in the Carabao Cup
Last year’s runners-up Arsenal begin their Carabao Cup campaign with a home tie against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have picked up some form in the league by winning four games on the spin, the latest being a 2-0 success over Everton.
Cup competitions might become important for Unai Emery’s men this season as they are still not up there to challenge for the league title. They face a Brentford team who are in good form in the Championship, placed 7th and just three points off the top. So this could be a tough test for Arsenal to pass.
Team News
Arsenal have a long list of injured players. Laurent Koscielny, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac and Konstantinos Mavropanos are the long-term absentees while Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Sokratis are out for this game.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Bernd Leno (GK)
Petr Cech did very well to keep his first clean sheet of the season against Everton. Leno got his chance in the Europa League and so expect the German to start on Wednesday.
Stephan Lichtsteiner (RB)
The Swiss international should get his game time in cup games, with Hector Bellerin getting the rest.
Rob Holding (CB)
The youngster came on from the bench against Everton. Expect him to start this midweek.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
The German might have to start again despite the niggles. Sokratis and Koscielny are out, so he is certain to play this game.
Nacho Monreal (LB)
With Kolasinac and Maitland-Niles out, Monreal will probably start again at left-back.
Mohamed Elneny (CM)
The Egyptian isn’t a regular in league games but expect him to play a key role in cup competitions.
Mateo Guendouzi (CM)
The youngster was on the bench against Everton. We may see him on the pitch with Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira getting a rest.
Alex Iwobi (LW)
The Nigerian has impressed the manager whenever he has come on to play. Should start this game.
Emile Smith Rowe (CAM)
The youngster should get his chance in this game to showcase his potential.
Danny Welbeck (RW)
The Englishman has found playing minutes very hard to come by. He must make use of this chance in the cup games.
Read More: Go for it Emery – Arsenal’s midfield could become rock solid if they land this £18m star in January
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman scored a sumptuous goal to open the proceedings against Everton. He may start this game as well.