Arsenal's Starting XI: Carabao Cup Clash vs Preston - Can the Gunners Rotate and Still Roll?
It's that time of year again – the dreaded Carabao Cup. We all love seeing the big boys in the Premier League battle it out for trophies, but this cup competition is a chance for the lesser-known squad players to shine. And for Arsenal, this means a tricky away trip to Preston North End.
So, how will Mikel Arteta approach this match? Will he go with a full-strength squad, or will he rotate and give some of the fringe players a chance? Let's take a look at a potential starting XI, and see if the Gunners can overcome their recent struggles against lower-league opposition.
Arsenal's Likely Lineup
It's pretty clear that Arteta will be looking to rotate a few players, but the core of the team will likely remain the same. The defense could see some changes, with Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney potentially getting a chance to impress after being relegated to the bench recently. In midfield, Albert Sambi Lokonga might be given a start to show what he's capable of.
Upfront, we might see the return of Eddie Nketiah. He's been knocking on the door for a start, and this game presents a good opportunity to show what he can do. And who knows, maybe Gabriel Jesus gets a rest and Reiss Nelson or Emile Smith Rowe could even make an appearance off the bench.
Predicted XI
- GK: Matt Turner
- RB: Ben White
- CB: Rob Holding
- CB: William Saliba
- LB: Kieran Tierney
- CM: Granit Xhaka
- CM: Albert Sambi Lokonga
- RW: Bukayo Saka
- LW: Gabriel Martinelli
- ST: Eddie Nketiah
Of course, this is just speculation, and Arteta might have some other surprises up his sleeve. But one thing's for sure: the Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways after their recent draw against Fulham.
Don't Sleep on Preston
It would be a mistake to underestimate Preston. They're a tough team to beat at home, and they'll be up for the challenge of facing a Premier League giant. The key for Arsenal will be to start strong and avoid any early mistakes.
Let's hope the Gunners can get the job done and progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup. It's always good to see a trophy, no matter how small. And with the squad depth available, it's the perfect opportunity for some players to prove their worth!