Predicted Arsenal Lineup: Carabao Cup vs Preston North End
Arsenal are set to face Preston North End in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, September 20th. With a packed fixture list, manager Mikel Arteta will likely field a mixed lineup, giving some fringe players an opportunity to showcase their skills. Let's dive into a predicted starting eleven for the Gunners, keeping in mind the recent form and potential tactical approach.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper:
- Matt Turner: With Aaron Ramsdale expected to start against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Turner should get the nod in the cup. He's shown promising form in the Community Shield and can solidify his position with a strong performance.
Defense:
- Takehiro Tomiyasu: He's a reliable and experienced option at right-back, providing stability and defensive solidity.
- Gabriel Magalhaes: Although he might be rested for the Tottenham match, Gabriel should start against Preston to keep his rhythm and leadership qualities on the pitch.
- William Saliba: A strong contender for the starting spot, Saliba's performance against Fulham showed his defensive prowess and ability to handle pressure.
- Kieran Tierney: Back from injury, Tierney's pace and attacking threat from the left-back position make him a key asset for the Gunners.
Midfield:
- Granit Xhaka: A reliable presence in the middle of the park, Xhaka's experience and distribution skills will be crucial for dictating the tempo of the game.
- Fabio Vieira: After a strong pre-season, Vieira deserves a chance to prove himself. His creative passing and vision could unlock the Preston defense.
- Jorginho: With Thomas Partey potentially needing rest, Jorginho's defensive awareness and experience will be invaluable in midfield.
Attack:
- Reiss Nelson: A player with immense potential, Nelson could start on the right wing. He's known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to cut inside.
- Eddie Nketiah: With Gabriel Jesus still recovering, Nketiah is the most likely candidate to lead the line. His recent performances have shown his improvement in front of goal.
- Gabriel Martinelli: A dynamic and potent winger, Martinelli's directness and dribbling ability will be a threat to the Preston defense.
Potential Substitutes:
- Albert Sambi Lokonga: Could offer additional midfield depth and cover.
- Emile Smith Rowe: His creativity and attacking flair make him a valuable option off the bench.
- Leandro Trossard: His versatility across the attacking line gives him a chance to impact the game.
- Folarin Balogun: The young striker could get a chance to impress in the cup.
Key Takeaways:
- Arteta is expected to field a mixed team, prioritizing rotation and giving some players an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
- The predicted lineup is built around a blend of experience and youth, with a focus on tactical flexibility and attacking prowess.
- Arsenal should approach the game with a professional attitude, aiming for a comfortable victory and a positive performance before the important Premier League match against Tottenham.
This predicted lineup should be considered as just a possible scenario, and Arteta's final selection may vary based on training performance and individual player fitness. Nonetheless, it offers a glimpse into the potential squad that will be looking to secure a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup.