Surprise inclusion in the starting 11?

By Danong 

Arsenal return to action tonight as they host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.  

Having edged the first leg 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners now have every reason to believe they can finish the job and secure their place in the final.  

Fresh from a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Leeds, Mikel Arteta had the luxury of an almost full squad to choose from, save for Mikel Merino and teenage prospect Max Dowman. Yet, in the warm-up for that game, Bukayo Saka picked up an untimely knock.  

The star boy now joins Merino and Dowman on the list of expected absentees against Chelsea. 

Fortunately for Arsenal, Noni Madueke stepped in seamlessly at Elland Road, delivering a masterclass with both an assist and a goal. 

Arteta will be hoping the winger can carry that momentum into tonight’s clash, helping his side dispatch their London rivals and book a place in the Carabao Cup final.  

Still, Madueke cannot shoulder the burden alone. Arteta would be wise to go strong with his selection, fielding a line-up such as:  

Kepa  

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard  

Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli  

Zubimendi can be rested as he has played a lot of games. He can come in to help shore up if needed.

With potential game-changers waiting on the bench, this Arsenal side should prove too powerful for Liam Rosenior’s side.

Even so, Arsenal will relish the chance to dispatch Chelsea at their strongest, underlining their intent to march into the final.