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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expecting tense tie with Reading: This is why
ARSENE WENGER has admitted he anticipates a nervy match when Reading arrive at the Emirates.
Arsenal vs Reading - Round of 16 League Cup match preview
The Gunners face Jaap Stam’s Championship side in the EFL Cup fourth round tonight (7.45pm).
And Wenger is set to make a number of changes from his Premier League starting XI to give fringe and younger players opportunities to impress.
Right-back Carl Jenkinson will return to the first team after a long lay-off with injury and two seasons spent on loan with West Ham.
Meanwhile, Kieran Gibbs is in line to captain Arsenal and summer signing Lucas Perez will earn more game time.
Arsene Wenger's Arsenal have lost just one game in the last seven months across all competitions
The Gunners have history against Reading in cup competitions, most notably their 7-5 away win in 2012.
Stam's men currently sit eighth in the Championship table and Wenger is expecting plenty of passion from them.
“It’s always tense with them and always passionate and you would expect that again,” Wenger said.
“But I am confident that we are focused and will want to respond after our 0-0 (against Middlesbrough) on Saturday.”
Carl Jenkinson's last first-team appearance for Arsenal came in the 2013/14 campaign
Arsenal scored 12 goals in two away games at Reading in late 2012
Arsenal’s stalemate on Saturday was the first time they have failed to score in all competitions for over two months.
But the array of alterations to his team could give Wenger’s side more impetus with lesser players to an extent getting time in the limelight.
The Frenchman was speaking at the Arsenal’s AGM yesterday and also outlined his total desire to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
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