Arsenal begin their EFL Cup campaign with a tricky away fixture against Championship side Nottingham Forest.
The English League cup often gives managers a platform to give youngsters a go at first team football and that seems to be what is on the mind of Arsene Wenger. Chuba Akpom has shown promise in the Arsenal youth teams and may get a chance in the game against Nottingham Forest.
Yaya Sanogo and Jeff Rene-Adelaide’s performances for the reserves may see Wenger opt to give them a chance too. While Sanogo looks more or less set to feature in the game, doubts may still loom in the mind of the manager as to whether Adelaide is ready to make the step up.
Summer signing Granit Xhaka has also been used a substitute in the league and is set to play the game from the outset.
Another player who will be looking to impress the manager is Mathieu Debuchy. The Frenchman has played second fiddle to Hector Bellerin for almost two seasons and may be on his way out if he isn’t played more often.
Olivier Giroud missed Saturday’s game against Hull due to a toe injury and remains a major doubt for this one. Alexis Sanchez, too, has featured in all of his side’s games this season and will be looking forward to a much needed breather.
However, Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Carl Jenkinson (all knee) are ruled out of the game.
