How Arsenal could line up against Sunderland with Smith Rowe and Pepe playing in strong Carabao Cup team

ARSENAL welcome League One Sunderland to the Emirates on Tuesday night in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The tournament offers Mikel Arteta and Co a real chance of silverware this season, and as a result the Spaniard is likely to field a strong side.

Inevitably there will be some changes, but not having had European football means the Gunners can afford to play some of the big guns for the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

Sunderland also come into the game in good form, currently sitting third in League One, so will be no walkovers.

Black Cats boss Lee Johnson got his wish of drawing Arsenal away, with over 5,000 travelling fans expected in the capital.

Cup keeper Bernd Leno is primed to start in goal, giving Aaron Ramsdale a well-deserved night off.

And Arteta could also opt for two fresh faces at full-back, with Cedric Soares coming in for Takehiro Tomiyasu on the right and Nuno Tavares in for Kieran Tierney on the left.

In the heart of defence Ben White could once again be handed a Carabao Cup start, as he was against Leeds in the last-sixteen.

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But instead of regular partner Gabriel he may play alongside Rob Holding.

Albert Sambi-Lokonga is out with Covid-19, meaning Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohamed Elneny are likely to start in the middle of the park.

Emile Smith Rowe is anticipated to be in the starting line-up after two goals as a substitute in his last two Premier League outings.

And Emirates outcast Nicolas Pepe is expected to come in on the right flank in place of Bukayo Saka, in what could be one of his final games in an Arsenal shirt.

The Gunners are reportedly willing to let the £72m flop leave in January.

On the left Gabriel Martinelli's stunning recent form means he could be once again trusted from the start.

And if Arteta wants experience up front then Alexandre Lacazette may be given another starting berth, along with the captain's armband.

Alternatively, Arteta could opt to place his trust in his youngsters and field a front two of Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.

Calum Chambers could also get the nod at the back if Arteta decides to name an entirely new back-line.

Chambers was on the scoresheet in the last round against Leeds within seconds of coming on as a sub.

Other than that though Arteta is expected to go with a blend of youth and experience as he looks to book a spot in the semi-finals of the competition.

Pabo Mari will miss out after testing positive for Covid-19, while Sead Kolasinac remains sidelined with an ankle problem.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also unlikely to feature again after being stripped as Arsenal captain following a disciplinary breach.

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