Carabao Cup: Arsenal's Starting XI Vs Preston

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Post on Oct 31, 2024

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Carabao Cup: Arsenal's Starting XI vs Preston - Will the Gunners Rotate?

The Carabao Cup is back, and with it comes the familiar question: will Arsenal rotate their squad? After a grueling few weeks, the North London side face Preston North End in the third round, hoping to advance and keep their silverware dreams alive.

While the Gunners are undoubtedly the favorites, Preston will be no pushovers. They've been in decent form, currently sitting in 11th place in the Championship. So, what starting XI can we expect from Mikel Arteta?

A Look at the Arsenal Squad

Key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Odegaard are all back from injury, so it's tempting to think Arteta will field a strong side. However, the Premier League clash against Manchester United looms large, just three days later.

The manager has a delicate balancing act on his hands. He needs to avoid a repeat of the 2021-22 season, when a much-changed Arsenal side crashed out to Liverpool in the semis. But he also needs to keep key players fresh for the crucial league run.

Potential Starting XI for Arsenal

So, who could we see lining up at the Emirates on Tuesday?

Here's a possible starting XI, with a mix of experience and youth:

• Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (a safe bet, given Matt Turner's lack of minutes).
• Defense: Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney.
• Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira (a chance for the young Portuguese to impress).
• Attack: Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson.

This lineup provides a good blend of experience and potential, with Nelson and Vieira both looking to make their mark. It's a solid, if not overly star-studded, team, and gives Arteta the flexibility to make changes later on.

What To Expect from the Game

The Gunners will be looking to control the game from the outset, showcasing their passing and attacking prowess. Preston, on the other hand, will likely adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit on the counter-attack.

The key for Arsenal will be to break down Preston's defense, and get the likes of Nketiah and Trossard firing. If they can do that, then a comfortable win should be on the cards.

Final Thoughts

While the Carabao Cup may not be the top priority for Arteta, it's still a chance for the team to build momentum and gain valuable experience. With the squad depth they possess, the Gunners should be confident of progressing to the next round.

However, don't underestimate Preston. They're a capable side, and will be looking to cause an upset.

It promises to be an interesting game, and one that will provide insights into the team's squad strength and future prospects. Let's see if Arteta can successfully manage the squad rotation and secure a place in the next round!