Arsenal Predicted XI: Carabao Cup Clash vs Preston
The Gunners are back in action this week, facing off against Preston North End in the third round of the Carabao Cup. While Mikel Arteta will likely rotate his squad, the match presents an opportunity for some fringe players to stake their claim for a place in the starting XI.
Here's a look at our predicted lineup for the North End clash:
Arsenal's Predicted Starting XI
-
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
- With Aaron Ramsdale likely to get a rest, Matt Turner should get the nod between the sticks. This is a chance for him to show his ability and build confidence.
-
Defence: Cedric Soares, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney
- The backline will likely see some changes, with Cedric, Holding, Gabriel, and Tierney forming the four. This quartet offers a good balance of experience and potential, while providing rest to the usual starters.
-
Midfield: Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Granit Xhaka
- This midfield trio could see Lokonga and Vieira starting together, with Xhaka offering a solid base in front of the defense. This setup should offer good control and creativity in the middle of the park.
-
Attack: Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Marquinhos
- The forward line is where we could see the most rotation. Reiss Nelson has been impressive in recent outings, while Eddie Nketiah and Marquinhos will be vying for minutes.
Substitutes: Karl Hein, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard.
Key Players to Watch
- Fabio Vieira: The Portuguese midfielder is still finding his feet in North London, and this match provides a great platform for him to showcase his abilities.
- Marquinhos: The young Brazilian winger has shown glimpses of his talent in limited opportunities, and this game presents a good chance for him to impress.
- Reiss Nelson: Nelson has been a revelation in recent weeks, and will be looking to continue his positive form.
Tactical Considerations
Arteta will likely employ a similar system to the one we've seen in recent matches. Expect a 4-3-3 formation with a focus on possession and attacking fluidity.
Key Battles to Watch
- Nelson vs. Preston's Right Back: Nelson's pace and dribbling skills could be a threat to the Preston defence.
- Lokonga vs. Preston's Midfield: Lokonga's ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial.
Conclusion
While the Carabao Cup is not the primary focus for Arsenal, this match offers an opportunity for Arteta to experiment with his squad and give valuable minutes to some fringe players. With a strong performance, the Gunners should progress to the next round and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.