Arsenal face off against League One side Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the Carabao Cup this Wednesday, with manager Mikel Arteta expected to rotate his squad heavily following a demanding Premier League schedule.
After a thrilling 1-1 draw against Manchester City over the weekend, Arteta will look to rest some key players and give younger talents an opportunity to shine.
As Gunners continue their pursuit of silverware, this Carabao Cup clash will be an excellent chance for some of the club’s rising stars to showcase their abilities on a bigger stage.
Jambobet, known as the best prediction site for football, offers an exciting range of betting options for this midweek showdown.
The Gunners have been plagued by injuries and suspensions, forcing Arteta’s hand to make significant changes. Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined, while Leandro Trossard is suspended after his red card against Manchester City.
Despite the setbacks, Gunners are expected to field a strong lineup mixed with youth and experience as they aim to progress comfortably against Bolton.
Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup vs Bolton (4-3-3 Formation)
GK: Jack Porter
At just 16 years old, Jack Porter could be handed his debut with Gunner’s first-choice goalkeepers either injured or unavailable.
With David Raya and Tommy Setford nursing knocks and Neto cup-tied, Porter may be called upon to take his place between the sticks.
A debut in the Carabao Cup would be a big moment for the young keeper, and Arteta may use this opportunity to see how he handles senior football.
RB: Ben White
White was surprisingly left out of Gunners’ starting XI against Manchester City but was introduced in the second half after Gunners were reduced to ten men. He is expected to return to the lineup against Bolton, bringing his experience to a defense that will feature some younger faces.
CB: Maldini Kacurri
Maldini Kacurri, an 18-year-old academy prospect, is highly rated within the club and could be handed his first senior start. Kacurri has made the bench in recent games, and Arteta could give him a chance to impress in the Carabao Cup, resting senior center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel.
CB: Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior, who made his first appearance of the season as a substitute against Manchester City, is likely to get a start in this midweek fixture. Kiwior’s versatility and ball-playing ability make him a suitable option for Arteta as he looks to rotate his squad.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly
At just 17 years old, Myles Lewis-Skelly has already made his Premier League debut. The versatile youngster could feature at left-back in place of the injured Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko. His pace and energy down the left flank will be a key asset for Arsenal against Bolton.
Midfield: A Blend of Youth and Experience
DM: Jorginho
With so many young players expected to feature, Jorginho’s experience and leadership will be crucial in the midfield. The Italian international will likely take up the defensive midfield role, acting as a guide for his younger teammates while maintaining control in the center of the park.
CM: Ethan Nwaneri
The Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant, Ethan Nwaneri, could be handed a rare start. Nwaneri has been making waves at Arsenal’s academy, and this Carabao Cup tie presents the perfect opportunity for him to shine. His creativity and attacking flair could be vital in breaking down Bolton’s defense.
CM: Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand
Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, another exciting talent from Arsenal’s academy, is expected to make his competitive debut.
The 21-year-old impressed in Gunner’s pre-season friendlies and has shown glimpses of his technical ability. Oulad M’Hand’s inclusion in the midfield could provide the spark Arsenal needs to dominate possession.
Gunners’ Attacking Trio: Youth and Firepower
RW: Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka was substituted at halftime during Gunner’s draw with Manchester City, making him a likely candidate to start against Bolton.
Saka’s dynamism and goal threat from the right wing will make him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch, and his involvement could help Gunners wrap up the game early.
ST: Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus has endured a slow start to the season, making just four appearances, three of which came from the bench. This fixture against Bolton provides the Brazilian with an opportunity to get off the mark and regain his confidence. His movement and clinical finishing will be key as Gunners look to unlock Bolton’s defense.
LW: Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling, Gunners’ surprise loan signing in the summer, could make his first start for the club. The former Chelsea winger was brought in to provide depth and versatility in attack, and his experience could be crucial in helping Gunners ease past their League One opponents. Sterling’s pace and trickery will undoubtedly trouble Bolton’s backline.
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Mikel Arteta will likely field a youthful yet strong squad, balancing the need for rotation with the ambition of progressing further in the competition.
The club’s combination of seasoned veterans like Jorginho and emerging talents such as Nwaneri and Kacurri provides a solid platform for victory.
The Gunners are expected to dominate possession and look for quick transitions down the flanks, with Saka and Sterling providing width and creativity.
Bolton Wanderers, currently competing in League One, will approach this game as underdogs, but they’ll be motivated to cause an upset.
Despite the difference in league status, Bolton are likely to employ a compact, defensive setup, aiming to frustrate Gunners and hit on the counter.
However, breaking through an Arsenal side determined to bounce back from their draw with Manchester City will be a tough ask.
Jambobet Prediction: Arsenal 4-1 Bolton
Given Gunner’s depth and talent, they are expected to progress comfortably into the next round of the Carabao Cup. While Bolton may put up a fight, Gunner’s quality across the pitch will likely be too much for the League One outfit to handle.
Gabriel Jesus is expected to find the back of the net, while young talents like Nwaneri and Kacurri will use this game to make their mark.
For fans looking to add excitement to this fixture, Jambobet is the best prediction site offering real-time betting and insights, giving you the chance to engage with every twist and turn of the match.
