Arsenal’s starting XI v Bradford: team news, line-up and Wenger’s big chance
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The background
The last time Arsenal travelled to Bradford City for a match, the Gunners had genuine aspirations of winning the Premier League title and the Bantams were hopeful of cementing their place in the top flight for a third successive season. A lot has changed since the year 2000, however, and the Gunners head to a League Two side knowing that 2013 Capital One Cup glory could be exactly the boost they need.
With that in mind, Arsene Wenger will be tempted to play a strong hand at Valley Parade, knowing that he has the luxury of six days until Arsenal's next Premier League match, against struggling Reading.
The Frenchman has used the Capital One Cup to blood promising youngsters down the years, but while a match with League Two opposition would ordinarily seem a good opportunity to rest his big guns, this is a tie he simply must win. Or rather, he cannot afford to lose.
Victory and Arsenal are just two matches away from a trip to Wembley and the tantalising prospect of shutting up all the critics that love to point to a lack of silverware stretching back to 2005.
Lose and the calls for Wenger's head will reach a new high, as Arsenal's stuttering Premier League form has offered little consolation and Champions League glory seems an unlikely possibility at this stage.
While the Premier League and Champions League are understandably a priority for Arsenal, the reality is that a Capital One Cup in the trophy cabinet would be something tangible for the club's players and fans to celebrate.
The team
For that reason, it seems Wenger will call upon more of his established team than usual tonight, starting with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny tipped to start in goal ahead of Vito Mannone and Damian Martinez, the latter having started both of Arsenal's previous ties in the competition.
The back four could have a familiar look to it, although Bacary Sagna – who is carrying an ankle injury – should be rested, in favour of Carl Jenkinson. Johan Djourou has captained the side in the last two rounds and may be called upon to replace one of Vermaelen or Mertesacker.
In midfield, Wenger may be tempted to play Mikel Arteta ahead of Ramsey, bringing experience and composure to the team in an atmosphere where the home fans will be baying for an upset. Jack Wilshere should be rested, allowing Coquelin to start.
Rumour also has it that Santi Cazorla will feature, although Tomas Rosicky showed against Olympiakos that he is more than capable of adding decisive creativity in a hostile atmosphere.
In attack, with Giroud and Walcott ruled out, Wenger has to decide who to play from Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Chamakh and possibly Arshavin. Podolski will be fresh, having played just a few minutes as a substitute in the win against West Brom, and Chamakh could get a rare run out after finding his scoring boots in the epic win at Reading.
Here is a possible line-up for the Gunners. What do you think?
Szczesny, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Arteta, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski, Chamakh
Who would you play tonight? Let us know by commenting below…