Arsenal: 3 things we’d like to see in EFL Cup vs Leeds

2. Leadership in the Absence of Regular Leaders

While there is plenty to ponder in terms of team selection, most centred on who doesn’t play as opposed to who does.

The overwhelming likelihood is that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Thomas Partey, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and the two Hale End stars will be left out of the starting lineup, as may Lacazette having pulled up with cramp against Villa.

In their places, especially in forward areas, there will be very youthful options instead and in a match such as this where the opposition’s system will call for constant focus, someone will need to step up, lead and organise.

Bernd Leno in goal will have to demonstrate that, as will Rob Holding who looks set to come in, and perhaps even Mohamed Elneny if he’s selected in midfield.

But then there are the likes of Nicolas Pepe, among the more senior players, who will have to be more vocal. The Ivorian is simply not that kind of character but if he’s in a front line featuring Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli then he may well have to.

There are a host of players who will be looking to make an impression on Tuesday having found themselves in the fringes this season, and even if their hopes of breaking the first team mould are slim, their chances will come and they need to put themselves in the shop window when opportunity arises.

Some leadership, in whatever form it may come in, has to be on show in what could be a heavily rotated side without a number of the usual suspects.

Continued…