Arsenal vs Blackpool: Predicted starting XI in Round of 16

Centerbacks

Let me just get this out of the way – with injuries, I have no actual idea how Emery will see fit to even format this club. Kolasinac, Monreal and Bellerin are all ‘hopeful’ to be fit for Liverpool, which means that we have all of one fullback, Stephen Lichtsteiner, capable of suiting up.

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I probably don’t need to say this, but that isn’t good. So against Blackpool, in order to avoid a problematic situation, I see Emery going with a back three, with Sokratis in the middle of the three, Rob Holding to his right and the debut youngster Zech Medley to his left.

Whatever the plan is against Liverpool, Sokratis desperately needs match fitness, and ideally, if things go smoothly against Blackpool, he won’t have to play a full 90, and can be called off with a lead in tact, and let someone else see the match through.

Medley was on the bench in previous matches in the wake of the fullback crisis, and with the crisis worsening, it stands to reason that he will be out there for the first time against Blackpool. Which is always exciting. Such that I actually hope I’m right.

Let’s talk wingbacks which is another complete and total crapshoot.