Carabao Cup: Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Preston North End
The Carabao Cup third round is upon us, and Arsenal are set to face League One side Preston North End at the Emirates Stadium. While the Gunners will be looking to progress to the next round, manager Mikel Arteta is likely to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to players who haven't featured as much in the Premier League.
With a busy festive schedule ahead, Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad's fitness and energy levels. This match presents a perfect opportunity to test the depth of the squad and assess the form of fringe players.
Here is a predicted lineup for Arsenal against Preston North End:
Goalkeeper
Matt Turner is expected to start in goal, providing a chance for him to gain match fitness and further prove his credentials as a reliable backup for Aaron Ramsdale.
Defenders
Rob Holding is likely to lead the backline, partnering with Gabriel Magalhães at center-back. This pairing has proven its effectiveness in the Premier League, and their experience will be crucial against Preston's attack.
The full-back positions could see some changes, with Kieran Tierney potentially starting at left-back after recovering from injury. Cedric Soares, meanwhile, could get the nod at right-back.
Midfielders
Mohamed Elneny is a likely candidate to start in midfield alongside Granit Xhaka, providing a stable and experienced base for the team.
The attacking midfield positions could see a mix of youth and experience. Fabio Vieira could get a chance to showcase his talents after impressing in recent substitute appearances. Emile Smith Rowe may also be included in the starting XI, looking to regain his form and confidence after a challenging period.
Attackers
Upfront, Reiss Nelson could lead the line after his impressive cameo against Nottingham Forest. His pace and directness would be a valuable asset against Preston's defense.
Joining Nelson in the attack could be Eddie Nketiah, who has been a reliable goalscorer for the Gunners in recent seasons. His understanding with Nelson and ability to hold up the ball would be crucial in unlocking the opposition's defense.
Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
- Defenders: Cedric Soares, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhães, Kieran Tierney
- Midfielders: Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe
- Attackers: Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah
Key Players to Watch
- Fabio Vieira: The young Portuguese midfielder has shown glimpses of brilliance in recent outings. This match could be a key opportunity for him to showcase his skills and make a case for more first-team opportunities.
- Reiss Nelson: The winger has been impressive in limited appearances this season. This game could be a chance for him to make a real statement and stake his claim for a more prominent role in the squad.
- Eddie Nketiah: Nketiah is a proven goalscorer and a valuable asset to the Arsenal squad. His experience and goal-scoring threat could be vital in helping the Gunners secure victory against Preston.
This predicted lineup is just a suggestion, and Mikel Arteta could opt for different players depending on the availability and fitness of his squad. However, this selection reflects the potential for Arteta to rotate his team while still maintaining a strong and competitive side.
The Carabao Cup match against Preston North End is an important opportunity for Arsenal to gain valuable experience and confidence ahead of the busy festive schedule. With a blend of youth and experience in the predicted lineup, the Gunners will be aiming to secure a comfortable victory and progress to the next round of the competition.