After a tenacious draw at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal welcome League One side Doncaster Rovers to the Emirates for the third round of the Carabao Cup, or as it’s most famously known the League Cup.
Arsene Wenger likes to use this competition to try out some of the younger players, and although the West Brom game is five days from this one, Wenger is likely to be wary of fatigue from the previous two fixtures. Thus, expect to see the fruits of the academy on show.
Arsenal haven’t tended to go past the fourth round in recent times, but the further Arsenal progress in the competition, the more game time the youngsters get. Certainly, after three good results since the international break, fans will be keen to see the team carry on its momentum.
Will Wenger continue with 3-4-2-1? It’s likely, as unless pushed (such as in the Cologne game), a certain tactical stubbornness remains with the boss, regardless of personnel.
GK: David Ospina
With Emiliano Martinez out on loan, the deputy keeper is likely to take the mantle in what should be a relatively easy game.
RWB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The youngster, who has proved to be more than adept in this position in previous seasons, will be given license to roam forward in behind the Doncaster defence.
CB: Rob Holding
A difficult time against Cologne – but the talented Englishman is likely to get the nod.
CB: Calum Chambers
Having not played for a fair while, Chambers made his return for Arsenal U23s last Friday, meaning he’ll be ready to start tomorrow night.
CB: Per Mertesacker
The German will add experience and leadership to a youthful back line.
LWB: Sead Kolasinac
With a lack of depth at left back, Kolasinic may get the nod here, unless Wenger decides to dig deeper into the academy.
CM: Francis Coquelin
The tough-tackling Frenchman will provide steel in the middle, allowing the youngsters some more freedom up the pitch.
CM: Jack Wilshere
A slick performance against Cologne, Wilshere is a decent bet to start before being fully integrated into the Premier League matchday squads.
RW: Jeff Reine-Adelaide
A start for Alex Iwobi on the weekend may prompt Arsene Wenger to start one of his most talked about prodigies. All the youngsters will be vying for a place in the regular matchday squad.
LW: Reiss Nelson
Having impressed in cameos during the Emirates Cup and off the bench in the Europa League, a full start for Nelson may do him some good.
ST: Olivier Giroud
With Danny Welbeck out for a month, Wenger may opt to play the Frenchman forward up top, with a view to replacing him with Theo Walcott or even Chuba Akpom if things are going swimmingly.