Match Preview and Team News

Arsenal are set to host League One side Blackpool at the Emirates for their Carabao Cup fourth round clash. The Gunners saw their winning run brought to an end against Crystal Palace on Sunday with Unai Emery expected to make changes as a busy schedule kicks in, comprising of midweek matches in addition to weekend ones.

Unai Emery’s men will want to defeat Blackpool to send a clear message they are not being complacent, after seeing an end to their unbeaten run. Arsenal have lost 6 finals to rivals in the Carabao Cup, the highest in English football.

Blackpool sit 13th in League one and have been in a poor form. Their last match against Crewe ended in a frustrating draw and the fans will be demanding better results. With just 5 wins in 14 matches, it seems promotion to the championship is slipping away steadily. The EFL will provide that opportunity but Arsenal is a very formidable opposition.

Blackpool have already eliminated a London opposition in this competition this term, eliminating QPR in the third round in September.

Hector Bellerin was substituted at half time in the match against Crystal palace, due to a muscular problem. It is not known whether he will be available for the match or not. Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal are still battling with hamstring problems.

Laurent Koscielny has returned to training but little is known whether he will return to the action against Blackpool or not.

Head To Head

Arsenal and Blackpool have met 82 times over the years with the Gunners winning 43 of those fixtures. Blackpool have. Won 15 times – the last coming in 1970.

Update – Match Scores

Arsenal   2   –     1   Blackpool

Lichsteiner 33′

Smith Rowe 50′

                              P. O’Connor