Arsenal’s season could hinge on Wednesday night’s meeting with Chelsea, with victory putting the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final against Bristol City or Manchester City.
Arsene Wenger knows how important it will be to pick up some silverware given how inconsistent Arsenal have been in the Premier League this season, and his side might reflect that.
The long-serving boss has used youth players in the earlier rounds, but the most recent starting XI saw much more experience which I feel could be replicated for the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
David Ospina has been used in cup competitions, both domestic and Europe, and should get the nod between the sticks. And with Chelsea setting up in a 3-4-3 formation, I feel Wenger might match them with three defenders of his own.
This could see Laurent Koscielny rested in place of Calum Chambers. Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal could provide the experience alongside him at the back, with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maintland-Niles keeping their place at wing-back.
Jack Wilshere could be rested, as playing so many games in a short space of time is a recipe for disaster for a player with his injury history, so Mohamed Elneny could replace him and start alongside Granit Xhaka.
In attack, Mesut Ozil trained today and should start alongside Alex Iwobi behind Alexandre Lacazette.
3-4-3 vs Chelsea: Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Mustafi, Monreal, Kolasinac, Elneny, Xhaka, Iwobi, Lacazette, Ozil