Arsenal team news vs Blackpool: Predicted line up – Eight out, Emery drops selection hint
ARSENAL manager Unai Emery is dealing with a number of injury problems ahead of the Gunners' FA Cup Third Round clash with Blackpool this afternoon (5.30pm).
FA Cup: Emery looks ahead to 'important' clash with Blackpool
Arsenal have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks and manager Unai Emery has a serious selection headache ahead of the Gunners’ meeting with Blackpool.
Up to eight first-team stars may not feature at Bloomfield Road due to fitness concerns, meaning a number of youth players will hope to play a part.
“We’ll prepare for the match with this respect for them, but also respect for this competition. It’s a way to [win] a title.”
Mesut Ozil is out with a knee injury while Hector Bellerin (calf), Nacho Monreal (hamstring) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (groin) are at various stages of recovery and will not feature.
Shkodran Mustafi was withdrawn at half-time during the win over Fulham with a hamstring problem and Rob Holding (knee), Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Danny Welbeck (both ankle) are long-term absentees.
Therefore, the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, Eddie NKetiah and Bukayo Saka will have hopes of playing.
Arsenal team news: Unai Emery has a number of key selection decisions to make against Blackpool (Image: GETTY•buildlineup.com)
Arsenal team news: Emile Smith Rowe is one of several young players hoping to start (Image: GETTY)
Blackpool: McPhillips looks ahead to 'tough' Arsenal tie
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“We give chances to young players,” said Emery.
“I hope it’s the beginning of long career at Arsenal [for Saka] but it’s the same with Emile, with [Joe] Willock, with [Eddie] Nketiah.
“We need to give them chances. Saturday [against Blackpool] I am going to do that.”
Petr Cech should start in goal, Ainsley-Maitland Niles and Sokratis are likely to come into defence while Aaron Ramsey and Alex Iwobi will provide some much-needed experience in attack.
Arsenal team news: Is this how the Gunners will line up against Blackpool? (Image: buildlineup.com)