Whoever thinks that Mikel Arteta will be at easy for today’s EFL game against Leeds is dead wrong. The Gunners have already taken a lot of criticism from the fans and pundits for their poor start of the season and player selection in the summer’s transfer market. So, they are aiming at one trophy, and EFL is a perfect opportunity for that, since the Premier League is out of reach. On the other side of London, Chelsea’s main aim is The Premier League, but Champions League too. Apart from that, the Blues have a ‘weaker’ opponent that Arsenal, so there will be some changes in the starting 11.Africa’s finest: Best net-shakers across top-five European leaguesThe Gunners have finally played excellent in their last (and fourth) win in the Premier League against Aston Villa, but due to their tough match against Leicester on Saturday, coach Arteta might make a few changes. Captain Granit Xhaka is the only long-term injured player, while Tierney’s status is still unknown. Against Villa, both Lacazette and Aubameyang have started, as Arteta switched to 4-4-2. Whether he will keep the formation, or switch to 4-3-3 or get back to his favorite 4-2-3-1, nobody knows, but that will determine which striker will start. If he plays with two forwards, it’s probable that Gabriel Martinelli will get his chance. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was promised more playing time, and when, if not now?Fake Covid vaccine certificates worth 153.000 Ksh offered to Premier League playersIt looks that Chelsea will have an easier task, at least on paper, considering recent form, team debt and opponents strength. Chelsea are current Premier League leaders, while Southampton struggles and are only 4 points above the relegation zone. The Blues have issues with strikers, as both Lukaku and Werner are injured, but they still managed to thrash Norwich 7-0. So, both strikers will be absent along with Christian Pulisic, who is yet to get over his injury worries suffered throughout the early months of the campaign. However, N’Golo Kante is back, and coach Tuchel predicted that he will be available for Newcastle match on Sunday, so it’s more likely that the Malian will come on as a substitute just to gain match fitness. Ruben Loftus-Cheek gave Tuchel a reason for starting him in this match and rest Mason Mount, while on loan Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez hasn’t been featured much. Is it time to change that tonight?EFL Cup Tuesday:21:45 Arsenal – Leeds United21:45 Chelsea – Southampton21:45 Queens Park Rangers – Sunderland
