Arsenal predicted lineup vs Sunderland: Balogun in 4-2-3-1?

Arsenal have a glorious chance to put their name in the hat for the EFL Cup semi-finals as they host Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. Here is the predicted lineup.

The draw has been kind to Mikel Arteta’s side. While the benefits of no European football have aided this young squad’s fitness, even being drawn against League One opposition will help during this hectic festive schedule.

Fielding the same side in the Premier League for four matches running – the first time that’s happened since May 2015 – hinted that the manager is confident his team has the squad depth to rotate heavily for this match and still win.

As he should do. It’s a big gulf in class between these two and Arsenal boast the home advantage, regardless of whether Sunderland are up challenging for the League One title and subsequent promotion to the Championship.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Sunderland: Folarin Balogun and Nicolas Pepe to come in for EFL Cup quarter-final?

The question is how much will the manage rotate?

Fingers are crossed that no more positive COVID-19 tests come to light as two players who’d have been set to feature in this one, Pablo Mari and Sambi Lokonga, had already caught the virus in the build-up to the Leeds match and will not be available for this one.

Takehiro Tomiyasu was the only player to suffer some form of injury from the recent 4-1 win, but while it was only precautionary it’s highly unlikely he would have featured in this anyway.

Eddie Nketiah and Nicolas Pepe will be vying for minutes, as will Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with it also expected some of the players who featured up at Elland Road may be asked to play again.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – Had spent a while out of action with injury, a setback that saw Arthur Okonkwo feature on the bench in the league. He’s back now though and due to start.

Cedric Soares (RB) – Having been fourth choice right-back and third choice left-back at one stage last season, Cedric is now firmly the first in line when Tomiyasu doesn’t feature.

Calum Chambers (CB) – It’s slim pickings in central defence after the first choice two prepare to drop out, and with others unavailable Chambers stands a good chance of coming in for Benjamin White who’s played more minutes than anyone else this season.

Rob Holding (CB) – Mari would be a certainty to start this one were it not for him having COVID, and with Gabriel also needing a rest it could be Holding to come in on the left of central defence where he’s featured this season.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – A player to get excited about when his name is on the team sheet, pre-match expectations are that he will be mostly everywhere except for at left-back.

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