Arsenal predicted lineup vs Liverpool: White in midfield in 4-2-3-1?

Arsenal are could be as little as 90 minutes away from a Wembley showpiece against Chelsea as they host Liverpool for Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. Here is the predicted lineup.

The first leg feels like an age ago. Since that tie Arsenal have become the most hated club in England, tried and failed to sign anyone, and Ghana have been knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations.

This rollercoaster spell also saw Mikel Arteta’s side have a request for the North London Derby to be postponed accepted on account of being unable to field the adequate number of players, which has given then invaluable resting time.

Missing players in every position, those who suffered minor knocks are back to provide a very welcome boost.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Liverpool: Benjamin White to partner Sambi Lokonga in midfield in Carabao Cup semi-final?

Kieran Tierney was joined by Bukayo Saka and Calum Chambers in picking up issues during the 0-0 first leg draw but are all back in training. Cedric Soares was the other player to suffer injury at Anfield, although his hip problem was more serious and forced him off after 10 minutes. He will remain absent.

Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Martin Odegaard (Covid) are also hugely welcome returnees.

Arteta is sure to be cryptic on players returning as he always is, but there is no hiding that a couple of players won’t be there after Sead Kolasinac finally left the club and Pablo Mari is finalising a loan move to Udinese. But, the primary issue remains the total lack of central midfielders. Cheers, Granit.

Does he play Benjamin White next to Sambi? Chambers? Odegaard? Go 3-4-3? 4-3-3? Whatever his solution may be won’t be any more than makeshift, and it’s going to be the biggest decision he makes of all.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Getting the nod over Leno at Anfield despite the German being the cup keeper up until that point, Ramsdale had possibly his worst game for the club to date. Good thing that now out of the system.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Arsenal were holding out for a Hiro and with Tomiyasu thought to be back they’re going to get him. Chambers did will at Anfield but it’s not much comparison.

Rob Holding (CB) – Holding will be in next to a Hiro in this prediction, with a shuffle in midfield expected.

Gabriel (CB) – A couple of nervy moments in the beginning at Anfield dissipated quickly and Gabriel put in another solid showing alongside White. Hopefully, with 11 men on the pitch, it might not be as hand to the pumps.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – The Scot has quietly been picking his form back up since the early season struggle. Looks to have recovered from his knock and will start.

Continued on next page…