Arsenal vs Preston: Carabao Cup Lineup - Who's Starting?
The Carabao Cup is back, and it's time for Arsenal to face off against Preston North End. This is a chance for the Gunners to get a win and gain some momentum after a frustrating few weeks. But the question on everyone's lips is, who will Arteta field for this clash?
It's a tough call for Mikel Arteta. He's got a tricky balance to strike. He wants to win, obviously, but he also needs to rotate his squad. There are a few players that could really benefit from some game time, while others need a rest.
So, let's break down the possible lineup for this game:
Goalkeeper
Ramsdale is likely to get a rest here. With his recent form, it's probably the right call. That means Turner will likely get the nod in goal. He's been hungry for minutes, and this is a good chance for him to show what he can do.
Defense
White and Saliba are the likely starters at center-back. They've been solid recently, but they could do with a rest. So, we might see Holding come in, or maybe even Kiyo get a chance to shine. At left-back, Tierney is a good shout, as Zinchenko has been playing a lot of football lately.
Midfield
The midfield is where things get interesting. Partey and Xhaka are our mainstays in the middle, but I reckon Arteta might give them a breather. That opens the door for Sambi and Vieira to show what they've got. Ødegaard is a sure-fire starter, as he's been in such great form.
Attack
Up top, we'll likely see a mix of youth and experience. Jesus will probably get a rest, which means Nketiah could get the start. Saka is probably good to go, but Martinelli might need a rest. This could be a good opportunity for Reiss Nelson to showcase his talents.
Overall, the Carabao Cup is a great chance for Arsenal to give some fringe players a chance to prove themselves. It's also a chance for Arteta to try out different formations and tactics. This should be a fun game to watch!
Predicted Lineup:
- GK: Turner
- RB: White
- CB: Holding
- CB: Saliba
- LB: Tierney
- CDM: Sambi
- CM: Ødegaard
- CM: Vieira
- RW: Saka
- ST: Nketiah
- LW: Reiss Nelson
I'm excited to see what Arteta does. Hopefully, we see some exciting football and a convincing victory!