EFL Cup | Arsenal vs Reading | 25th of October at 19:45 (GMT)

[RacingPhoton]

Perez is surely nailed on to start at CF? Not sure why we would go with Giroud.

Giroud is back from injury. I don't think Wenger starts players coming back from injury directly unless there is a dire need.

 

[Axel_Gunner]

Giroud is back from injury. I don't think Wenger starts players coming back from injury directly unless there is a dire need.

if Giroud is back and fit (no risk) and Wenger is not planning to start Giroud for Alexis as CF next game(s) it's just logical to play Giroud in EFL.

 

[Tir Na Nog]

Martinez
Jenkinson Gabriel Holding Gibbs
Zelalem Elneny
Maitland-Niles Jeff Chamberlain
Perez
​

Big game for Chamberlain and Perez, if they can perform they could force their way into the starting 11.

 

[Mark Tobias]

​

Big game for Chamberlain and Perez, if they can perform they could force their way into the starting 11.

Doubt that very much. Obvisouly they need to play well to get into the team but I do not feel there is any way of either of them getting ahead of Iwobi or Sanchez. Not from one game at least. Love the fact that we have competition on our wings though!

 

[RacingPhoton]

if Giroud is back and fit (no risk) and Wenger is not planning to start Giroud for Alexis as CF next game(s) it's just logical to play Giroud in EFL.

Yes. But Wenger won't risk playing him all 90 minutes. Either he will come off the bench or he will start and will be substituted soon.

 

[Penn_]

if Giroud is back and fit (no risk) and Wenger is not planning to start Giroud for Alexis as CF next game(s) it's just logical to play Giroud in EFL.

But why would we start him over Perez?

 

[albakos]

Let's hope that this game doesn't turn out like Sheffield of last season, which was at same period: late October.

Besides getting thumped 3-0, Theo and Ox got injured in the space of first 20 minutes, which derailed our momentum we had till then.

Reading is managed by Jaap Stam, so wondering if he employs brutal defending style as in his playing days.

 

[Rocky]

But why would we start him over Perez?

There could be an argument for giving them both a run out and trying Perez wide. I think they need to rotate Walcott and Iwobi soon and keep them on their toes.

 

[Rocky]

Doubt that very much. Obvisouly they need to play well to get into the team but I do not feel there is any way of either of them getting ahead of Iwobi or Sanchez. Not from one game at least. Love the fact that we have competition on our wings though!

It might be more than one game though. Both had a role against Ludogorets and both could start against them in the away game.

 

[Mark Tobias]

It might be more than one game though. Both had a role against Ludogorets and both could start against them in the away game.

Yes, fair enough and I think that is what @Tir Na Nog meant but I was quick to react lol. Sorry guys.

 

[Mark Tobias]

Let's hope that this game doesn't turn out like Sheffield of last season, which was at same period: late October.

Besides getting thumped 3-0, Theo and Ox got injured in the space of first 20 minutes, which derailed our momentum we had till then.

Reading is managed by Jaap Stam, so wondering if he employs brutal defending style as in his playing days.

WHY WHY WHY! I was over that and now you bring it up.

 

[Taylor Gang Gunners]

Let's hope that this game doesn't turn out like Sheffield of last season, which was at same period: late October.

Besides getting thumped 3-0, Theo and Ox got injured in the space of first 20 minutes, which derailed our momentum we had till then.

Reading is managed by Jaap Stam, so wondering if he employs brutal defending style as in his playing days.

He may well against us, but so far for Reading in the Championship he's tried to play total football- no word of a lie.

He's been strict in his philosophies and hasn't adapted, despite many thinking his style isn't viable in the championship. I'd love for him to come to The Emirates and play.

I've just realised we've got a real shot at winning this trophy. One of Liverpool/Spuds and Man Utd/Man City will be going out for certain in this round, the draw was ridiculously kind to us. It's a competition Wenger hasn't won yet too, would be good for him to have won everything there is to win domestically.

Need significant rotation for this one, Alexis in particular has been looking a bit leggy. A week off is just what the doctor ordered for some of our players. I'd go;

Martinez
Jenkinson Gabriel Holding Gibbs
Elneny Zelalem
Maitland-Niles Jeff Chamberlain
Perez​

Should win this comfortably, it's always good to see our young players getting a shot. Big chance for Ox and Perez to impress, one of them could easily start against Sunderland away.

 

[albakos]

He's been strict in his philosophies and hasn't adapted, despite many thinking his style isn't viable in the championship. I'd love for him to come to The Emirates and play.

Wow, I always thought we're away to Reading

Then it makes is easier for Wenger to rotate and use home advantage.

They're in good position in Championship and with some recent positive results, I don't expect them to prioritize League Cup considering the remaining teams in this competition.

There are hardly any players which seem like could cause us problems. Maybe Al-Habsi will have a blinder, but I expect us to cruise past them.

 

[RacingPhoton]

BTW. What's happening with Debuchy? He was in stealth mode last year. Now, he just disappeared.

 

[A_G]

Perez out wide then

 

[Rocky]

Perez out wide then

Ox at CM? Or maybe Iwobi?

 

[A_G]

Ox at CM? Iwobi?

I think it'll be Ox, just a question of who partners him.

 

[Rocky]

I think it'll be Ox, just a question of who partners him.

I'd bank on Elneny after Coq has had two starts straight back from injury (he really shouldn't have played the full game in the CL IMO)

Interesting that Iwobi plays. He could be playing to fight off competition and presumably a chance at CAM with Jeff wide.

 

[OSBK]

Kids out please, wrap the first team in cotton wool.

 

[crazyman]

Iwobi should be rested. Looked mentality tired on Saturday.