Arsenal face Blackpool at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, looking to get back to winning ways after a frustrating draw against Crystal Palace.

It’s time for the round-of-16 in the League Cup, and Unai Emery’s side will take on lower league opposition once again. After Manchester United and Liverpool went out in the last round, this competition is already looking a bit more enticing, particularly as Manchester City and Spurs have Premier League ties right after playing each other on Monday.

With Chelsea taking on Frank Lampard’s Derby as well, who knocked United out last time around, who knows which of the big-six clubs will still be in the competition by Friday morning?

Emery will also be trying to build some confidence ahead of the Liverpool match this weekend. As a result, we expect Arsenal to start a strong side against Blackpool, whilst also rotating as much as possible.

Let’s have a look at our predicted lineup.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Petr Cech is back fit after his recent injury, but Bernd Leno started ahead of him over the weekend anyway. As a result, we expect Cech to reclaim the goalkeeping spot against Blackpool.

As for who starts against Liverpool at the weekend, that will probably depend on the 36-year-old’s performance. Emi Martinez can count himself a bit unfortunate to have both goalkeepers ahead of him right now.

Stephan Lichtsteiner will play on the right after Hector Bellerin’s injury at the weekend. Reportedly, the Spaniard will be out for two weeks but Arsenal state he will have a check before the game against Liverpool.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos should return alongside Rob Holding, just as in the clash with Sporting Lisbon last Thursday. Arsenal don’t have enough fit centre-back options to rest both Shkodran Mustafi and Holding at once.

The left-back option similarly picks itself, thanks to injuries. Granit Xhaka will have to continue filling in, as Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac are both seemingly still not ready to return. The signs are they should be back for the weekend.

Emery could look at academy options, particularly as Arsenal are facing a League One side. Tolaji Bola (left-back) and Zech Medley (centre-back) are the two most likely defenders to get a call up if he does. However, as mentioned earlier, we expect him to start an experienced side to ensure victory.

Click ‘Next’ for Midfield, Forwards and our Full Predicted Starting XI

Midfield

Aaron Ramsey, Mohamed Elneny and Matteo Guendouzi are the obvious choices here, until you learn that Elneny is injured and out for two weeks.

The trio are starting to become a staple of Arsenal’s Europa League/League Cup team, allowing Mesut Özil, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira to be rested for the league games. Of course, Xhaka probably won’t get a rest on this occasion anyway, given the defensive issues and Torreira is likely to come in for ELneny unless Emery opts for youth.

Joe Willock started the season in good form, and he was given League Cup chances last campaign under Arsene Wenger. However, it appears he’s picked up an injury, as he hasn’t taken part in Arsenal’s recent u23 matches.

Click ‘Next’ for Forwards and our Full Predicted Starting XI

Forwards

Danny Welbeck and Henrikh Mkhitaryan should return to the side, after sitting on the bench over the weekend. Welbeck’s been particularly impressive in matches he’s started this season, with four goals and one assist in five starts. He scored twice in the last round against Brentford.

For the third spot, we’re going to gamble on Emile Smith Rowe getting an opportunity. Iwobi, Aubameyang and Lacazette will presumably be rested for the weekend, leaving an opening for a youth player.

Eddie Nketiah is the other possible option, but Smith Rowe seems to be the player favoured by Emery right now. The midfielder turned wide-forward also started in the last round.

Click ‘Next’ for our full predicted starting XI

Full Predicted Starting XI