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Predicted XI: Arsenal vs Reading

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Arsenal host Reading in the Round of 16 of the EFL Cup in what will be a replica of their famous match four years ago. In what is probably one of the most famous League Cup matches, Arsenal eventually came out winners with a 7-5 victory. Although the Gunners did not win at the weekend, they have been in fine form over the last few weeks and will be looking to continue that against Reading, let’s hope this game is a much easier affair.

So let’s have a look at who Arsene Wenger could play on Tuesday.

GK: Emiliano Martinez

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Martinez started Arsenal’s last League Cup game against Nottingham Forest, expect him to do so again.

RB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles

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Somewhat of a utility player, Maitland-Niles can play on the wing, as a central midfielder and most recently as right back. He was used as right back in Arsenal’s last League Cup match and with Jenkinson building up his fitness, expect Maitland-Niles to feature over the forgotten man, Mathieu Debuchy.

RCB: Gabriel

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The Brazilian has not featured much so far this season. Wenger will probably rest Mustafi and Koscielny, therefore, Gabriel will probably get a run out.

LCB: Rob Holding

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This is an ideal game for Holding to continue his progression. he started the season very well but is slowly being bedded in by Wenger, expect him to start on Tuesday night.

LB: Kieran Gibbs

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Against Middlesbrough and Ludogorets, Gibbs looked very solid. Monreal, on the other hand, seems to be struggling, if Gibbs puts in another good performance on Tuesday, he could well be back in the first-team.

CDM: Mohamed Elneny

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Although Wenger will likely play some youngsters, he will still need som experience in midfield. Elneny started at the weekend but hasn’t played much recently, he should get another start.

CDM: Gedion Zelalem

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Zelalem hasn’t quite delivered on the promise he showed when Arsenal first signed him but now at least, he has nailed down a position. Playing further back, Zelalem seems more comfortable and will have a solid partner alongside him in Elneny – an ideal game to give him some experience.

RW: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

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Theo Walcott has played a lot of game recently and rightly deserves a rest. Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown signs of recovering his form in his brief cameos, expect him to take up the right-wing spot.

CAM: Reine-Adelaide 

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The talented Frenchman has been on the bench a number of times for the first-team and will no doubt start on Tuesday. He could play as a holding midfielder but with Wenger likely to rest the front four he should find his spot as a 10.

LW: Lucas Perez

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Bought as a striker but also able to play as a winger, Perez has not been thrown into the fire quite yet but against Reading, he could well find himself starting, albeit on the wing.

ST: Olivier Giroud

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Having picked up an injury early in the season, Wenger has given Giroud plenty of time to recover and as he said, he effectively has had a pre-season. This game could well be an ideal time to get him out on the pitch and pick up some game time.

 

 

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