Bettor.com Predicting Arsenal starting XI against Newcastle United
Arsenal will face Newcastle United in the fourth round of the League Cup tonight. Arsene Wenger’s men are on a high, boastful straight wins alongside thrashing fierce rivals Spurs in the last round.
However, the Magpies are in a similar position having just beaten West Ham United 2-1. Newcastle United’s return to the English top flight level has induced some promising football, and Chris Houghton’s men will be keen to knock
out a big name side and restore their presence in English football.
The Carling Cup is always an exciting prospect for the Gooners’ faithful as fringe players and boom youngsters are often blooded. Furthermore, the Gunners are often at their most exciting best during cup tournaments which provides
a great atmosphere for all viewers.
Albeit, it remains unclear whether Wenger will opt to utilize his highly renowned youngsters or continue with first teamers to bolster Arsenal chances.
Nonetheless this article will attempt to predict and establish a starting XI for Arsenal.
Goalkeeper:
Arsenal always utilizes a reserve goalie in League Cup matches, but currently it is tough to determine who is the current deputy or first goalkeeper. With Lukasz Fabianski in good form having featured in last five games, the 25-year-old
is destined for a rest.
Almunia has regained fitness, but there is still the burning presence of Wojciech Szczesny. The highly touted youngster is yet to appear in this campaign and recently voiced his frustration of lack of first team time, threatening
to depart.
Whether Wenger opts to reward the 20-year-old with his second Arsenal appearance or enable his veteran Spanish keeper to reinstate his worth as the Arsenal No. 1 remains to be unseen, but Manuel looms as the favourite.
Defence
Arsenal defence leader, Thomas Vermaelen, is expected to return in this match. The Belgium international has been absent from the last 10 matches because of an unfortunate Achilles injury sustained last month. Vermaelen addition
would surely boost Arsenal defence.
Likewise, Koscielny is also expected to make a return after being side-lined for three months. Koscielny was named on the bench for Arsenal weekend win.
Emmanuel Eboue is expected to feature on the right side of the defence, but there is also the presence of flourishing young gun Harvard Nordtveit. The 19-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan with various clubs and is
still yet to make his long awaited debut for the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Kieran Gibbs will definitely start as a left back because his senior, Gael Clichy has played last four consecutive games and would surely be rested.
Midfielders
Arsenal predominant midfielders including the like of Alex Song, Fabregas and Nasri will be rested. However, Gunners another experience midfielder, Thomas Rosicky, who didn’t play last match, would feature against Newcastle United
tonight. He is most likely to get captain’s arm band in absence of Fabregas.
Arsene Wenger surprisingly gave Denilson a start against Manchester City, while Abou Diaby was rested. So definitely Diaby will play against Newcastle United tonight.
Jack Wilshere is enduring a three-match ban, so it would be Diaby who is like to start along with Rosicky.
Forwards
The Danish attacker of Gunners, Nicklas Bendtner is expected to be given his first start of the season. Bendtner came on as a substitute against Manchester City and scored the third and final goal of the match on weekend.
Arsenal one of the best impact substitutes, Carlos Vela is also poised to be given his first start of the season and he will play on the left side of the attack.
Along with these two, the young English sensation, Henri Lansbury, who scored in his last Carling Cup match, is also expected to start on the right flank.
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