Arsenal Starting XI: Preston Carabao Cup Clash - Will The Kids Get A Chance?
The Carabao Cup is a tricky beast, right? It's that time of year where the big teams have to decide whether to go full-on or play the youngsters. Arsenal have a tough Premier League fixture coming up against Manchester United, so the decision on the starting lineup for the Preston clash is extra crucial.
The question is: will Arteta go with the youngsters, or will he field a strong squad?
Let's break it down!
The Case For The Kids
It's the perfect chance to give some of the young guns a run out. We've seen the likes of Marquinhos and Smith Rowe shine in the preseason, and a Carabao Cup game is the perfect way to give them a taste of first-team football. Plus, imagine the buzz if a young player pops up with a screamer against Preston! It could be a real confidence booster.
The Case For Experience
Manchester United is just around the corner, and Arteta might be tempted to field a more experienced team. A win against Preston would be a good way to build momentum going into the big game. And let's face it, even a weakened Arsenal squad should be able to handle Preston, right?
Who Will Start?
It's hard to say for sure, but here's what we think might happen.
- Goalkeeper: Matt Turner could get a start, giving Ramsdale a rest.
- Defense: A mix of experienced heads like White and Tierney alongside young guns like Cedric and Holding is possible.
- Midfield: We could see Partey and Jorginho starting, with a chance for Lokonga to impress.
- Attack: This is where the fun could happen. Nketiah might get a start, with youngsters like Marquinhos and Reiss Nelson getting some game time.
What Does This Mean for Arsenal?
Whatever team Arteta picks, the game against Preston is a chance to test out different strategies and give some players valuable experience.
It's a chance for Arsenal to build momentum and confidence going into the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United.
So, fingers crossed for a good performance, regardless of the starting eleven!
COYG!