By Arsenal are set to host League One side Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday evening at the Emirates Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 BST.
The Premier League giants enter the match following a demanding week that saw them face Tottenham Hotspur, Atalanta, and Manchester City in quick succession. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to make significant changes to his lineup, offering rest to key players after the grueling schedule.
Arsenal’s recent form has been solid, with a victory in the North London derby followed by draws against Atalanta in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League. In contrast, Bolton have struggled in League One, securing just seven points from their opening six matches.
Team News:
Arsenal will likely be without several first-team regulars. Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are sidelined with injuries. Leandro Trossard is suspended following a red card against Manchester City. Goalkeeper David Raya is doubtful with a knee injury, potentially opening the door for 16-year-old Jack Porter to make his debut.
Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are expected to start, while young prospects Ethan Nwaneri, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, and Myles Lewis-Skelly could feature.
Bolton will be missing several players due to injury, including former Arsenal youth player Jordi Osei-Tutu. Striker Dion Charles, who recently scored a hat-trick against Reading, poses the main goal threat for the visitors.
Historical Context:
In their last five meetings, Arsenal have won three, Bolton one, with one draw. Their most recent encounter was a goalless draw in the Premier League on February 1, 2012.
Prediction:
Despite the expected squad rotation, Arsenal’s depth and quality should see them comfortably progress to the fourth round. The match provides an opportunity for Arsenal’s fringe players and youth prospects to impress, while Bolton face a significant challenge at the Emirates.
A likely scoreline could be Arsenal 3-0 Bolton, with the home side’s superior talent expected to overcome their League One opponents.
The match represents a chance for Arsenal to build momentum in a cup competition while managing their squad ahead of upcoming Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
