Arsenal will hope to take another step closer to silverware when they host Reading at the Emirates Stadium in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
With many of their rivals drawn against each other, the Gunners will hope to take full advantage of the favourable draw and move on past the fourth round.
However, it won’t stop Arsene Wenger from resting key players, although given the strength in depth he has at his disposal this season, he’ll be confident that his line-up will do enough to secure a win.
Arsenal have won all 13 games that they’ve faced Reading in, including a thrilling 7-5 win over the Royals in a League Cup encounter in 2012.
Team news
Olivier Giroud is expected to feature after returning to training following a toe injury. It will be a welcome sight for many Arsenal fans to see the French international back in action, as he offers a different threat up front for the Gunners and will be a useful piece in the squad.
Carl Jenkinson is expected to feature after returning from a long-term injury, although Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey miss out due to injury problems with Granit Xhaka suspended.
Alexi Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide have been confirmed as starters, and so Arsenal supporters will hope to see a positive response after the disappointment of being held to a goalless draw by Middlesbrough at the weekend.
Arsenal possible XI: Ospina; Jenkinson, Gabriel, Holding, Gibbs; Elneny, Coquelin; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reine-Adelaide, Iwobi; Lucas
Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Reading. Back the Gunners to get the job done on Tuesday night, as although Wenger will freshen things up, they’ve got more than enough quality in their side to pick up the victory.
Giroud featuring will be a massive boost, while giving a chance to the likes of Lucas Perez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to impress again will be welcomed.
Expect it to be a much more open affair compared to the weekend’s visit of Boro, with Arsenal coming out on top with a late Giroud goal to wrap things up.