Since this article was published, this game has been called off due to a coronavirus outbreak in the Liverpool squad. The first leg is now due to take place on January 13 at Anfield.

Arsenal's Africa Cup of Nations contingent will not be available for Thursday's EFL Cup semi-final first leg with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all linked up with their respective nations, although the latter was unlikely to earn his spot in the team back anyway.

Sead Kolasinac represents the Gunners' only injury absentee, with Gabriel Magalhaes suspended and Calum Chambers still a doubt after COVID-19 infection.

Mikel Arteta ought to trust Bernd Leno with the gloves as Aaron Ramsdale enjoys a rest, and it would not be a surprise to see Nuno Tavares displace Kieran Tierney in the backline.

Rob Holding should deputise for Gabriel alongside Ben White, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles may just lose out to Albert Sambi Lokonga for a spot in the middle alongside Granit Xhaka.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are both set to hold their places in the final third, but Emile Smith Rowe can expect to earn a recall to the left over Gabriel Martinelli.

For his lack of Premier League action this season, Eddie Nketiah has struck five goals in three EFL Cup appearances and should lead the line from the first whistle.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Tomiyasu, White, Holding, Tavares; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Nketiah

> Click here to see how Liverpool could line up for this clash