Arsenal will look to seal a spot in the EFL Cup final for the first time since 2018 when they host Liverpool in the second leg of their semifinal tie on Thursday.
The Gunners were reduced to 10 men early in the first leg, but battled hard to escape with a goalless draw at Anfield against an uncharacteristically lacklustre Liverpool outfit.
The Reds failed to pose much of a threat in attack and managed just one shot on target, which came late in the second half.
Mikel Arteta will hope his players can produce a similar display in the second leg against a team they have not enjoyed facing in recent years. Arsenal have only beaten Liverpool once in regulation time in their last 17 meetings in all competitions.
Arsenal Team News
Granit Xhaka is unavailable following his suspension in the first leg, while Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Nicolas Pepe are away on international duty.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu has not yet recovered from his injury and could miss this clash, while second-choice right-back Cedric Soares is also a doubt.
Martin Odegaard will likely return to the side after recovering from COVID-19. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are carrying niggling injuries but at least one of them will likely start.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale will continue in goal for the Gunners. The England international has proven to be a fantastic summer signing and has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season.
Defenders
With Tomiyasu and Cedric unlikely to feature, Calum Chambers could get the nod at right-back in the Arsenal lineup. Kieran Tierney will retain his spot on the left ahead of Nuno Tavares, while Rob Holding and Gabriel are expected to start at the heart of the defence.
Midfielders
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Liverpool
With Partey, Elneny and Xhaka unavailable, Arteta has very few options at his disposal in central midfield. Charlie Patino is unlikely to be thrown into a game against top-quality opposition like Liverpool, meaning Ben White is expected to start alongside Albert Sambi Lokonga.
White’s biggest strength is his quality in possession and he should be able to adjust to his new position without much fuss.
If Saka is passed fit, he will continue on the right side of midfield, while Gabriel Martinelli will start from the left.
Odegaard appears to have recovered fully from COVID-19 and should occupy the No. 10 role in the Arsenal lineup. The Norwegian has found his best form after a slow start to the season and will be tasked with orchestrating the bulk of Arsenal’s attacks.
Attackers
Eddie Nketiah failed to make any sort of impact in the 20 odd minutes in the first leg before being hauled off for Rob Holding as 10-man Arsenal looked to shut up shop. He will likely drop to the bench, with Alexandre Lacazette leading the line for the Gunners.