In the aftermath of Arsenal’s horrendous defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, it has become clear that the only hope that the Gunners have of winning a trophy this season is our usual FA Cup run, and we have got the easiest draw of the round facing non-League side Sutton United.
So Arsene Wenger would be forgiven for putting what, in his mind, would be his strongest team on the pitch. But considering that our second string side absolutely massacred Southampton in the last round, maybe playing our reserves would be the better option anyway?
Our first string side has lost 3 of their last 4 games and look to be lacking in confidence, so maybe it would be a good thing for them to get a big win under their belts on Monday, or perhaps Wenger will want them all to get a good rest before we go to Liverpool in two weeks time.
I think it will be a mixture of the two. Wenger implied there would only be a couple of youngsters in the side when asked who could play against Sutton. “A normal team…, ” he replied. “I gave [some youngsters] a chance [at Southampton] because I think they deserved to play and have a good opportunity to come in for players who usually play, and I think they have done well. One or two might have another chance to say that they can play in every single game now.”
I am fully expecting Rob Holding, Maitland-Niles and Reine-Adelaide to all be starting the game, but with the rest of the defence being our first choices, except for Ospina in goal of course. I think Ozil and Alexis will be given a rest, and I am really hoping that Lucas Perez gets another chance to prove his worth as centre-forward.
Do you think Wenger will play mostly first team players or stick to reserves?
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