Arsenal's predicted starting XI for their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea.placeholder image
Arsenal's predicted starting XI for their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea. | Getty Images
Arsenal face London rivals Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals
The first taste of trophy-winning glory is always said to be crucial for any successful side, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be more than aware of that fact as his Gunners outfit prepare to do battle with London rivals Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday evening.
While the Gunners did win the FA Cup in Arteta’s first season at the club in 2020, it can be argued that was a completely different side as Bukayo Saka was the only player in the squad on that day who remains at the club – and even he did not feature against Chelsea in the final.
Will Trossard and Saliba be fit to face Chelsea?
Arteta revealed in his press conference on Tuesday that Arsenal have two fresh injury concerns ahead of their first leg at Chelsea, as both Leandro Trossard and William Saliba are doubts to face the Blues after picking up recent knocks.
Of Trossard and Saliba’s condition, he said: "Those two are a doubt.”
Saliba’s impact in the centre of defence needs no introduction, particularly in the midst of current injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, all of whom have been confirmed by Arteta to remain out for the time being. Gabriel recently returned to fitness but may have Christian Norgaard starting alongside him in defence if Saliba is not passed fit.
Trossard, meanwhile, has risen against the odds to become one of Arsenal’s most important attacking players once again this campaign. The 31-year-old was linked with an exit in the summer but has instead bagged seven goals and six assists in all competitions, and will be missed in the XI if not available.
Martinelli may start amid big Gyokeres call
Gabriel Martinelli could be given a start in the place of Trossard if he is not passed fit. The Brazilian may take the role of pantomime villain in the London derby, following his involvement in a controversial incident with Conor Bradley during the 0-0 draw with Liverpool on January 8 – though the winger rose above criticism to net a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 win at Portsmouth in the FA Cup last time out.
Elsewhere, the question remains over whether Arteta should continue to keep the faith with Viktor Gyokeres despite his disappointing recent form. The Swede has only scored once in his last ten appearances – which came from the penalty spot at Everton – and is not impacting the side as much as he was at times earlier in the season.
The call to start Gabriel Jesus ahead of him for a semi-final would be a huge one, but Gyokeres is likely to be on thin ice and the club’s fanbase will no doubt view this match as one where their £64million signing is expected to make the telling difference.
Elsewhere, Arteta will have a decision to make in goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga has started every cup match so far, while first-choice David Raya waits in the wings to be called upon.
Full predicted XI (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
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