Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Liverpool, Odegaard and Smith Rowe absent

Arsenal face Liverpool on the road in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tonight.

The Gunners are missing several players for the game including Martin Odegaard, who has not reported for training today.

Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also expected to miss the encounter, having yet to recover from their injuries.

Predicted Line-up:

Bernd Leno started in the shock 1-0 FA Cup third loss to Nottingham Forest, and was solid with multiple saves. Despite this, Aaron Ramsdale could replace him in goal. He has been the league regular since the September international break.

Mikel Arteta may mull over a three-man backline to provide more defensive assurance. Gabriel Magalhaes is available after a one-man suspension, and should come into the XI. He could be partnered by Ben White and Rob Holding.

Cedric Soares gave a poor account of himself at City Ground, and this could see Calum Chambers feature in the right wing-back position. On the opposite end, Kieran Tierney should be a straightforward choice over deputy Nuno Tavares.

Granit Xhaka has recovered from a bout of coronavirus, and the Swiss should return to partner Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield. Charlie Patino will drop to the bench. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny remain away on international duty.

Further forward, Arteta may go with a front three with the lack of a senior creative midfielder. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are likely to play either side of Alexandre Lacazette, who is expected to lead the line over Eddie Nketiah.

Predicted Arsenal line-up (3-4-3): Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel; Chambers, Lokonga, Xhaka, Tierney; Saka, Lacazette, Martinelli.