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Arsenal Vs Blackpool: Predicted starting XI – Here comes the youth

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Bukayo Saka
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal holds off the challenge of Maksim Medvedev of Qarabag during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Front Three

In his pre-match press conference, Unai Emery highlighted four young players that he wanted to give more playing time. One of those is Joe Willock, who I predict will play slightly deeper in central midfield. The other three are Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.

The former is injured and will not play on Saturday. The latter two will both start, Saka most likely on the left and Nketiah through the middle with Danny Welbeck out for the remainder of the season. It will be fascinating to see how the pair get on, away from home, against senior defenders.

They would have been joined by Smith Rowe, if not for injury. Instead, Ainsley Maitland-Niles comes in on the right-hand side. He has been solid in place of Hector Bellerin recently, but his best performance came as a right winger against Liverpool. Emery may want to see him in that position again.

Next. Arsenal Vs Blackpool: 5 key players to watch. dark

Although this line-up is rather young and inexperienced, especially in attacking positions, it should be enough to see Arsenal through to the next round. Also expect to see some rather high-powered substitutes, just in case things don’t go to plan.