[Image] Willian out, Pepe in? Predicted Arsenal XI to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup

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Predicted Arsenal XI to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup

Arsenal will come across Liverpool again after their encounter in the league that ended as a loss for the Gunners. One of the blockbuster clashes of this round in the EFL Cup, Arsenal will be hoping to make amends this time around.

Arsenal dealt with Leicester easily enough, while Liverpool absolutely blew Lincoln City apart in their previous round of games in the EFL Cup.

Team News

There are still a fair few defensive injuries for Mikel Arteta to deal with. Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers, Sokratis and Pablo Mari have all been ruled out. Cedric Soares is a doubt for the clash but might be in line for a return.

Cedric Soares spent five years with Southampton. (Getty Images)
Cedric Soares could return to action for Arsenal. (Getty Images)

Elsewhere, Gabriel Martinelli is still out for a while. We might get to see some changes from the previous Liverpool encounter with players like Nicolas Pepe likely to return to the line-up.

Probable Arsenal XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Bernd Leno (GK)

Leno is now the undisputed number one at the club and keeps his place with the gloves.

Kieran Tierney (CB)

Tierney retains his place on the left of the back-three unless Arteta looks to give Saliba a chance.

Kieran Tierney has been one of the best players for Arsenal since the restart (Getty Images)
Kieran Tierney has been one of the best players for Arsenal since the restart (Getty Images)

David Luiz (CB)

Another player who keeps his starting spot but will need to produce a much better showing than the league outing.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB)

Gabriel might be given the nod ahead of Holding who looked rather uncomfortable in the last game.

Bukayo Saka (LM/LWB)

With Maitland-Niles not proving much, Saka will likely be drafted into the side.

Dani Ceballos (CM)

Mohammed Elneny makes way for the Spaniard as his creativity was sorely missed at Anfield.

granit
Much better will be expected from Xhaka. (Getty Images)

Granit Xhaka (CM)

An off0day for the tough tackler but with not a lot of midfield options, Xhaka is expected to start again.

Hector Bellerin (RM/RWB)

Fingers will be pointed at Bellerin for some of the goals conceded by Arsenal. Will need to step up this time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)

A relatively quiet outing for the Arsenal captain. His teammates will be looking to him for some inspiration this time around.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

Lacazette is enjoying a good run in front of goal with 3 goals in as many games. Scored Arsenal’s only goal of the game at Anand will keep his place in the side.

Nicolas Pepe (RW)

Pepe replaces Willian on the right, who failed to provide anything of note in the last game.