Mikel Arteta could name a much-changed side to face Preston North End in the EFL Cup, as some academy stars might get an outing.
Arsenal make the trip to Preston North End with many injury issues still, meaning Mikel Arteta is likely to name a much-changed lineup. The fortunate timing of the cup tie does provide the Gunners boss with the chance to rest some of his overworked stars and reduce the risk of unwanted injuries ahead of another crunch period in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided fitness updates on some of the issues suffered against Liverpool. He also said a few words on Martin Odegaard’s potential return while confirming that Gabriel Magalhaes’s knee injury was not serious.
Arteta also confirmed that Jurrien Timber did not suffer from any new problems and that Riccardo Calafiori will be a few weeks out after his knee injury last week. With all the injuries to critical stars ahead of a crucial few weeks, there are suggestions that the Arsenal manager could rotate heavily for the Preston clash.
On the topic of rotation, Arteta said, “It is important. There are players who haven’t played that much, and they will have their chance tomorrow, that’s for sure. But you have to earn the right to play and when you have that right, you have to perform, and perform in a way to help impact the team to win the game. That’s what we are going to demand of anybody. Whether you are young, you are an experienced player or you’ve been playing regularly for us.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans can be certain that their academy talents, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, will feature against Preston North end. Considering the defensive injuries, there is the off chance that Arteta might even go with Josh Nichols and Ayden Heaven in his backline.
In terms of team selection, the EFL Cup clash will allow Arteta to use some of his fringe stars and rest those overworked first-teamers. Starting with the goalkeeping situation, it is rather unfortunate that Neto is cup-tied, meaning Tommy Setford could be set for his full debut.
Josh Nichols is another one who could get a rare start at right-back as Arteta will look to rest Ben White and certainly Thomas Partey. While William Saliba is available, the Arsenal manager might ideally go with the Frenchman. However, this could be a golden chance for Ayden Heaven to get his full debut and start alongside Jakub Kiwior, with Lewis-Skelly at left-back.
Ethan Nwaneri will get the nod in the attacking midfield role, which is something he did against Bolton in the previous round. Mikel Merino might keep his place, with Jorginho likely to replace Declan Rice in the setup. Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus will start in the final third, with Gabriel Martinelli likely to keep his place on the left wing.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Setford; Nichols, Heaven, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Merino; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli
