@neumi17- He's actually Ethiopian by heritage, genetics et al, so we could get into a debate of what determines your nationality- country of birth; heritage or citizenship (applied for). There are legitimate arguments for all 3. If I were born in Tokyo, would I be "Japanese"? The correct answer is actually the one I give. The flags next to the name on WhoScored indicate their international team or, if they have yet to represent said team, who they have chosen/are eligible to represent. Proof being the Eire flag next to James McClean's name when he is from Northern Ireland. Ged is still eligible to play for Germany, yes, but has turned their under-age group teams down on a number of occasions, and has played for the U.S under-age groups 9 times since last playing for a German one (in 2013). He has therefore clearly chosen to represent the US, whether he is "German", "Ethiopian" or Martian, so that's the flag which should be next to his name.
As well as Chamberlain, I think Maitland-Niles had a good game considering he has played in a few positions over the last couple of seasons when getting first team opportunities. Somewhere in midfield will be his best position, maybe as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder (as opposed to a passer like Cazorla). Gibbs was decent too. His career has stagnated somewhat since Monreal hit form and at 27 really needs to play weekly. The competition will hopefully bring the best out of both. I don't think any of the youngsters who aren't already part of the first team are close to being included apart from league cup outings, but they show promise.
Well played the Ox - impressive stuff. Also impressive were Holding, Jenkinson and especially the flawless Martinez. Solid defence. Quite a few over-eager youngsters in front of goal and a few decent saves from their keeper are the only reasons why reading didn't get pasted. I doubt the Ox will start against Sunderland but will be highly likely to get a sub appearance...we shouldn't forget Giroud either - still has that arial presense. Good result.
The Ox had a great game today. He made the difference. He was subbed off at 80 minutes while Iwobi finished the game. Does that imply he has won himself a deserved starting spot for the Sunderland game?
@Valor- Looks like it. Alex does need a run of games and Wenger will probably be cautious of "burnout" with Iwobi. He's taken to first team football like a duck ot water but he is still extremely young. We have a good squad so makes sense we rotate early on so the players are fresher come the end of the season.
Like Valor said, changes are expected and needed. Something akin to: Martinez, Jenkinson, Holding, Gabriel, Gibbs, Elneny, Zalalem, Chamberlain, Adelaide, Iwobi, Perez. Giroud will be back in the squad but likely on the bench, Xhaka suspended, Cazorla ruled out by Wenger and given Coquelin will start against Sunderland, he probably wont play. I would guess Giroud will join Macey, Bielek, Maitland-Niles, Sheaf and 2 from Mavididi, C.Willock and Malen. Not sure if any of those are injured but they didn't play in the U23 game tonight against Utd and I know Akpom is still out. I like whoever voted for the 7-5 result but really hoping it's far simpler than that this time. I'll go with 3-0.
@SteveHyland yes would agree with that lineup altho a bit more experience such as debuchy would help. Reading r a good team and with a different back 5 I think we could concede. I'll go with 3-1 or 3-2 with Perez getting at least a goal or an assist.
@SteveHyland I'd like to see Oxlade-Chamberlain start in central midfield next to Coquelin or Elneny. If the latter two play together they just aren't good enough offensively. I've always found Chambo quite interesting in that central position, it would be nice to see him there again.
Big blow losing Lucas. With Chuba out we don't have many other forwards especially with Theo having a slight injury.
Oh and WhoScored, Zelalem has chosen to represent the U.S, not Germany.
@SteveHyland Yes, REPRESENT but he is still German ! Or do you think you lose your Nationality just because you play for annother country?
@neumi17- He's actually Ethiopian by heritage, genetics et al, so we could get into a debate of what determines your nationality- country of birth; heritage or citizenship (applied for). There are legitimate arguments for all 3. If I were born in Tokyo, would I be "Japanese"? The correct answer is actually the one I give. The flags next to the name on WhoScored indicate their international team or, if they have yet to represent said team, who they have chosen/are eligible to represent. Proof being the Eire flag next to James McClean's name when he is from Northern Ireland. Ged is still eligible to play for Germany, yes, but has turned their under-age group teams down on a number of occasions, and has played for the U.S under-age groups 9 times since last playing for a German one (in 2013). He has therefore clearly chosen to represent the US, whether he is "German", "Ethiopian" or Martian, so that's the flag which should be next to his name.
As well as Chamberlain, I think Maitland-Niles had a good game considering he has played in a few positions over the last couple of seasons when getting first team opportunities. Somewhere in midfield will be his best position, maybe as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder (as opposed to a passer like Cazorla). Gibbs was decent too. His career has stagnated somewhat since Monreal hit form and at 27 really needs to play weekly. The competition will hopefully bring the best out of both. I don't think any of the youngsters who aren't already part of the first team are close to being included apart from league cup outings, but they show promise.
Well played the Ox - impressive stuff. Also impressive were Holding, Jenkinson and especially the flawless Martinez. Solid defence. Quite a few over-eager youngsters in front of goal and a few decent saves from their keeper are the only reasons why reading didn't get pasted. I doubt the Ox will start against Sunderland but will be highly likely to get a sub appearance...we shouldn't forget Giroud either - still has that arial presense. Good result.
The Ox had a great game today. He made the difference. He was subbed off at 80 minutes while Iwobi finished the game. Does that imply he has won himself a deserved starting spot for the Sunderland game?
@Valor- Looks like it. Alex does need a run of games and Wenger will probably be cautious of "burnout" with Iwobi. He's taken to first team football like a duck ot water but he is still extremely young. We have a good squad so makes sense we rotate early on so the players are fresher come the end of the season.
70 min, just 1 goal :(
@S3reepp u were saying??
I did a over 2.5 bet
OFFICIAL (4-2-3-1): Martinez, Jenkinson, Holding, Gabriel, Gibbs, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reine-Adelaide, Iwobi, Lucas.
Giroud to score when he comes on
Perez to score hat trick! I still cant get the the 7:5 game though. Probably one of the best and craziest football games in top flight!
Thanks for finally putting the League Cup on the home page. Only took you twelve gazillion years. :-)
Like Valor said, changes are expected and needed. Something akin to: Martinez, Jenkinson, Holding, Gabriel, Gibbs, Elneny, Zalalem, Chamberlain, Adelaide, Iwobi, Perez. Giroud will be back in the squad but likely on the bench, Xhaka suspended, Cazorla ruled out by Wenger and given Coquelin will start against Sunderland, he probably wont play. I would guess Giroud will join Macey, Bielek, Maitland-Niles, Sheaf and 2 from Mavididi, C.Willock and Malen. Not sure if any of those are injured but they didn't play in the U23 game tonight against Utd and I know Akpom is still out. I like whoever voted for the 7-5 result but really hoping it's far simpler than that this time. I'll go with 3-0.
@SteveHyland accurate team prediction
@SteveHyland yes would agree with that lineup altho a bit more experience such as debuchy would help. Reading r a good team and with a different back 5 I think we could concede. I'll go with 3-1 or 3-2 with Perez getting at least a goal or an assist.
@SteveHyland I'd like to see Oxlade-Chamberlain start in central midfield next to Coquelin or Elneny. If the latter two play together they just aren't good enough offensively. I've always found Chambo quite interesting in that central position, it would be nice to see him there again.
I expect up to 10 changes to starting XI for this match. Too many tired legs, Mr Wenger.