Arsenal vs Blackpool: 5 key players to get back to winning

Arsenal’s win streak ended, but their unbeaten run didn’t. Here are five key players to get them back to winning against Blackpool.

The Football League Cup is moving right along now, as we get into the Round of 16 with Arsenal taking on Blackpool. The Gunners have now gone twelve in a row unbeaten, yet there is a sour feel around the fans because the win streak ended at Crystal Palace, a match that should have been simple enough to handle.

Still, life goes on. The Gunners will look to rebound against against third-tier Blackpool, who sit 12th in their respective table.

Given the significant depth that Arsenal have shown have shown in just about every position, there shouldn’t be that looming dread that sometimes accompanied them in years past, when youth was given the reigns to these side competitions due to the lack of internal competition.

Still, there should be plenty of youth out there, making their appearances in what should be considered the lowest tier of side competitions. It remains to be seen how the club will line up, and how much emphasis will be on youth, but there will be plenty of room for veteran presence as well.

Here are the five key players, starting with No. 5.

5. Petr Cech

Maybe it should be Emiliano Martinez. In fact, it really should be. But in a world where we have two quality No. 1 keepers, it’s only fair that they split playing time as much as possible. And with Bernd Leno clearly holding onto the Premier League role, it’s Petr Cech‘s turn to take the stage for the first time since his injury against Watford back in September.

Having Cech anchor a hodgepodge of youth and second-stringers is always the boost that it should be. He’s a leader on and off the pitch and the difference he can make should be noticeable.

Then again, there really shouldn’t be too much testing of the Czech stopper, as, ideally, the defense and midfield will be able to hold tough and not do anything catastrophically stupid.

Moving on to No. 4.