The Gunners here in the Tavern are losing confidence as they continue to chase down their goal of Champions League football.
Arsenal have been far from their best so far this season, with key men going missing, and inconsistency constantly haunting the side, as they continue to underwhelm the Emirates faithful.
However, with them looking distant in the league it creates the opportunity to focus their efforts on cup competitions. Having won a domestic cup 3 times in the past 4 years, Arsene Wenger will have his eyes set firmly on a fourth.
Their opponents in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup are David Moyes and his new side West Ham, an opponent that held Arsenal to a goalless draw at the Olympic Stadium almost a week ago.
With some of the Arsenal first-team regulars looking less than convincing, this could provide the opportunity for some of the youngsters that featured in previous rounds to grace the competition once again.
After a win last time out, Arsenal will be hoping to build on their momentum as they look to reach the next round.
With that said, if Wenger picks this Arsenal XI, West Ham will surely get knocked out of the Carabao Cup…
GK: David Ospina
Having only managed to feature a few times for the Gunners so far this season, he’ll be looking to extend this number in a game that should see Petr Cech rested.
For a goalkeeper that’s showed class in the appearances he’s been given so far this season, Wenger will turn to his experienced man between the sticks to get the job done for his side.
RB: Mathieu Debuchy
Mathieu Debuchy hasn’t managed to force his way into the side, with the forever-reliant Hector Bellerin keeping the right-back at bay.
After receiving criticism for his performance against FC Koln in the Europa League, he’ll be looking to make the most of one of his rare chances in an Arsenal shirt.
CB: Rob Holding
The central-defender has been left out of the Arsenal side in recent times, as his game-time continues to decrease after the club’s early season jitters.
Now looking for a way into the side, an impressive performance in the cup may just give the Englishman an opportunity to become a regular in the first-team once again.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Arguably the most consistent performer for Wenger’s side, with his experience and quality proving key in keeping the opposition attackers at an arm’s length.
Although he’s been heavily involved in the festive period so far, Wenger could call upon his quality in a game of huge importance in terms of a chance at a trophy.
LB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The 20-year-old has been the breakthrough act for the Arsenal side this season, and he is on his way to keeping summer signing Sead Kolasinac out of a starting position.
With him first catching the eye of the gaffer in cup competition, the defender will be looking to replicate this form once again.
CM: Jack Wilshere
After spending the majority of his career on his living room couch, owing to injury, he has produced some inspiring performances on his return that’s seen fans urge the manager to include him more regularly in the Premier League.
In a competition that Jack Wilshere always relishes, the midfielder will be looking to pull yet another impressive performance out of the bag.
CM: Joseph Willock
Having been involved in the majority of their Europa League success this season, the young central midfielder has caught the eye of many with his mature performances.
In a competition that Wenger is renowned for giving a chance to the youth, this 18-year-old will be sure to feature.
RAM: Reiss Nelson
18-year-old Reiss Nelson has been the shining light in the Arsenal youth-system, while in his first-team opportunities he’s showed exactly what all the fuss is about.
His pace and trickery are the two aspects of his game that make him the dangerous player he is.
CAM: Alex Iwobi
The Nigerian international has always been one of the most promising youngsters at the club on his way to displaying performances that have outshone some of the stars in this side.
Having managed to find the net once this season, he’ll be looking to improve on this figure against Moyes and his side.
LAM: Danny Welbeck
After being utilized in a wider-position a couple of times in Wenger’s change of formation, Danny Welbeck will look to use his pace and strength to power past the opposition defenders.
His experience in the final-third could prove to be key in what may be an inexperienced Gunners side.
ST: Olivier Giroud
The target-man has had a knack of producing goals out of nothing this season, with flicks and tricks becoming a new feature in the French strikers game.
With 7 goals to his name this season, Wenger will be looking for Olivier to re-discover his finishing touch, after scoring a last-gasp equalizer against Southampton earlier this term.
Arsenal fans, thoughts?
