Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly start, big David Raya decision – Arsenal dream XI vs Bolton
After an eventful weekend, Arsenal can turn their attention to the Carabao Cup when they take on Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night.
The Gunners came so close to a historic result against Manchester City on Sunday before John Stones’ last gasp equaliser. The drama did not end there though.
Erling Haaland collided with Thomas Partey and Gabriel before telling Mikel Arteta to “be humble” at the full-time whistle. The Spaniard has declined to comment on the issue, but it has surely lit a fire under the rivalry between Arsenal and City.
The Gunners will now look to move on from the late blow with a relatively kind Carabao Cup third round tie against League One Bolton. There is little friendly about the absentee list currently facing Arteta though.
Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mikel Merino are all definitely out, while Neto is cup tied, Leandro Trossard is suspended and Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and David Raya are all huge doubts.
Arteta may use this as an opportunity to play some of the academy stars of tomorrow. It’s a tricky balancing act though as the Spaniard is desperate to win a first trophy since 2020 and will want to avoid a shock.
Goalkeeper – Jack Porter
David Raya is a huge doubt for this game after picking up a thigh issue. Arsenal may live to regret signing a cup-tied back up goalkeeper in Neto, especially given that Tommy Setford is out with a hip problem. The fourth choice keeper therefore is 16-year-old Jack Porter. Arteta may take the risk to start him rather than gambling on Raya’s fitness given the form the Spaniard is in.
Right back – Josh Nichols
Centre back – Jakub Kiwior
Centre back – Gabriel
Left back – Myles Lewis-Skelly
