Having seen an eleven match winning run come to an abrupt end against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Arsenal will be looking for a quick return to winning ways tomorrow night as they host League One side Blackpool in the League Cup. Having thumped Blackpool 6-0 in the league back in 2010, the Gunners will be looking for more of the same this time around.
Although the winning run ended, the Gunners still remain unbeaten through twelve and at times against Palace actually looked like they deserved to lose so a point and some momentum is better than no points and no momentum. So carrying forward what they can to this mid week cup tie, Arsenal will be looking for a fast start to put this one to bed early. Heavy favourites regardless of form and player rotation, Emery will once again be under pressure to find that perfect blend of youth and experience to continue his side's progress. Some decisions will already be made for him though as injuries will force rotation anyway but in other areas, noticeably in goal and in defence, there are some players that are in need of pitch time for one reason or another.
Arsenal
Form: W W W W W D
League Position: 4th
Goals Scored: 24
Goals Conceded: 13
Blackpool
Form: D D L W W L
League Position: 12th
Goals Scored: 28
Goals Conceded: 20
The visitors seems to both score goals and ship goals. The one time Premier League boys now sit mid table in the country's third tier of professional football but are not impartial to an upset or two having already beaten QPR of the Championship earlier on in the competition. However, with average form of late and only one or two big(ish) names, it could be a struggle against a powerhouse like Arsenal. Blackpool will be heavily relying upon one-time Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso to deliver the goals in what could a very tough and baron night for the striker.
Having seen Petr Cech return to the first team fold on Sunday, the starting goalie spot is likely to be between Cech himself and third choice 'keeper Emi Martinez. Bernd Leno continues to play well and should remain as first choice in the league with a potential rest for this one. Emery's defence returns to action without Hector Bellerin who picked up an injury against Palace on Sunday. The left side is also likely to be without Monreal and Kolasinac again so stand-in full back Granit Xhaka could continue to deputise. However, should he need a rest, it could be perfect timing for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to return having played for Arsenal U23s over the weekend. A home cup tie against lower league opposition could be the ideal return for the young academy product. Other options at full back could see Lichtsteiner play left side and Carl Jenkinson come in on the right. Again, potentially a good return scenario for him. Granit Xhaka sits on four yellow cards as well so he may not be risked ahead of Liverpool this weekend. The Gunners defence remains without club skipper Laurent Koscielny who is likely to be back fit and firing after the next international break later on in November, potentially before if ready early.
Midfield will see the return of Mohamed Elneny for sure. Depending on the fullbacks, Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also return in a central midfield role, and Matteo Guendouzi is another option who could retain his place from the weekend. The likes of Mkhitaryan, Ramsey and Welbeck are likely to return to the first team picture as well with Ozil and Torreira almost certainly set for a rest ahead of the Liverpool clash. After a pretty flat display from forward Alex Lacazette against Palace, he could be given the start again in an attempt to rediscover his goal scoring form in preparation for Klopp's men. Aubameyang remains in good form so is likely to start on the bench against Blackpool and may only see minutes if desperately required. Iwobi is another who's good form hit the wall on Sunday so he too could be given some minutes to rebuild his confidence. Welbeck is in good nick and has been scoring in the cup competitions of late so he's likely to start from the left, whilst youngsters Emile Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketiah will be looking for spots in Emery's match day squad.
Expected lineup:
GK: Petr Cech
RB: Carl Jenkinson
CB: Sokratis
CB: Rob Holding
LB: Stephan Lichtsteiner
CM: Mohamed Elneny
CM: Aaron Ramsey
RW: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
CAM: Emile Smith-Rowe
LW: Danny Welbeck
ST: Alex Lacazette
Prediction: A comfortable night where Arsenal get back to winning ways. I anticipate a clean sheet but of late the Gunners' defence has looked a little nervy but going forward Emery's men will be looking to turn it on and grab some goals ahead of the big Premier League clash this weekend. Players will be playing tomorrow for starting spots on Saturday so expect good performances and goals all round. Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey to grab a goal a piece in this one with Alex Lacazette to also return to his goal scoring ways; 3-0 to the Red Army.
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