Arsenal and Liverpool predicted lineups for the 2022 Carabao Cup second leg semi-final

Arsenal and Liverpool will clash next Thursday at Emirates Stadium to determine the finalist of the 2022 Carabao Cup Final. Arsenal’s last game against Tottenham was called off due to the lack of players in Arteta's squad, meanwhile, Liverpool won their match against Brentford with a convincing score. 

Arsenal players unavailable for the match against Tottenham were, Mohamed Elneny, Nicolas Pepé, Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to the Africa Cup, Emile Smith Rowe, Sead Kolasinac, and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injury, Odegaard tested positive for Covid-19, and Xhaka was sent off, bringing to nine the number of players who could not play.

Sead Kolasinac has left the club to join Marsella, Aubameyang has cardiac problems and the African players will not be back yet from the Africa Cup. In addition, Saka got injured, so it seems the lineup for Arsenal will be full of youth players. 

Klopp also cannot count on Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah because are in the Africa Cup but have more options to fill the positions, such as Minamino, Firmino, or Diogo Jota.

Let's take a look at the possible starting lineups based on what coach Arteta and Klopp have done in recent games.

Arsenal

Arteta is likely to go with a 4-3-3 lineup.

Goalkeeper and defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) - The German player has been fielded by Arteta in the Carabao Cup and it seems it will continue this way. 

Robert Holding (CB) - Arsenal are lacking defensively and as there are not many other options, the English player is set to start in the match against Liverpool.

Ben White (CB) - The former Brighton player is undisputable for Arteta and due to the importance of the match, he will lead the defensive line in the semi-final.

Kieran Tierney (LB) - The left-back will start as he is the only option for the position.

Nuno Tavares (RB) - The Portuguese will be in the starting lineup but as a rigth back, because Cedric Soares, his compatriot, and the Japanese Tomiyasu are injured.

Midfielders

Charlie Patiño (CM) - Patiño played the first leg semi-final and he did a great job, Arteta probably will field the player again.

Albert Lokonga (CM) - Lokonga has been a good substitute this year and as the midfield is lacking players he seems to be one of the best options in this position. 

Oulad M’hand(CM) - The novelty of the match will be this boy who has shown great skills in the Arsenal youth team.

Forwards

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - The Brazilian played in the first leg match and will be fielded again by the Spanish coach.

Edward Nketiah (RW) - Nketiah has had playing time in the Carabao Cup and in the FA Cup. Arteta will give him this rigth again.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) - The French player is the strongest option in the striker position and will lead the Gunners' attack. 

Liverpool

Klopp is likely to go with a 4-3-3 lineup.

Goalkeeper and defenders

Caoimhin Kelleher (GK) - The Irish player has been outstanding as Allison’s second choice and he will be given the place for the match against Arsenal.

Van Dijk (CB) - The Dutch player is undisputable for Klopp and he will start for the match.

Konaté (CB) -  Klopp played Joel Matip against Brentford and is probably that the head coach will rotate a few players to give playing time to others like in this case.

Robertson (RB) - The Scottish is one of Klopp’s favorites and will be alongside Van Dijk, Konaté, and TAA.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (LB) - This position is uncertain as James Milner also can be fielded here but we think TAA will stay for the match as a starter.

Midfielders

Fabinho (CM) - The Brazilian has been outstanding. The former Mónaco has scored three goals in the last two matches to help Liverpool to keep a good shape.

Curtis Jones (CM) - The young player has been playing well and Klopp will keep him for the semi-final.

James Milner (CM) - Instead of playing in the defensive line, Milner will do it as a midfielder because Henderson is set to rest for the second-leg semi-final. 

Forwards

Diogo Jota (RW) - The Portuguese has become a key player in the offensive line of Liverpool and as Mané and Salah are out, he will be in the starting lineup.

Minamino (LW) - The Japanese scored against Brentford and has been more accurate in front of the goal, so is probable that Klopp will give him the opportunity to start.

Roberto Firmino (ST) - The Brazilian will lead the Reds' attack as they look to beat an Arsenal side that will be playing with more inexperienced players.