Arsenal will take on Chelsea at the Emirates in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday night where the Gunners would be looking to make the best use of the home advantage against their London rivals.
Both the teams are enjoying a good run of form at the moment. While Arsenal are sitting at the top of the Premier League table, Chelsea are just two points behind them in the second spot. Also, both the teams are heading into this match on the back of Premier League victories against their respective opponents at the weekend.
Coming to the team selection, Arsene Wenger doesn’t have enough options at the moment to make full use of squad rotation, as several of his key players are missing out through injuries. However, he needs to give rest to few players, especially Mesut Ozil, keeping in mind the Gunners will be playing a crucial match in the Premier League against Liverpool next week.
So, in defence, Carl Jenkinson, who has established as more than an able deputy of Bacary Sagna, should replace the Frenchman for the right-back slot. Likewise, Spaniard Nacho Monreal will most likely take up the left back role in place of Gibbs, while the frustrated skipper Thomas Vermaelen could make a rare start.
In the midfield, Wenger will miss the services of both Arteta and Flamini for this match. Flamini has a groin injury while the Spaniard is suspended for this tie. So, expect Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey to partner in the middle. Youngster Serge Gnarby, who signed a long-term contract today, has got a kick on the ankle but expect him to be fit for the match.
Olivier Giroud has been prolific this season but Wenger could give Nicklas Bendtner a chance to impress again. Here is the possible line-up:
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