Mikel Arteta has a huge decision awaiting him this Wednesday.
The Spaniard knows that Arsenal need points in the Premier League. After dropping more against Everton they missed another chance to gain territory on Liverpool who could only draw at home to Fulham.
Equally though, it's getting to the stage where Arteta needs to win a trophy. The Spaniard has not lifted any silverware since 2020, and this year's Carabao Cup represents a huge chance for him to do so.
Manchester City are out. Chelsea are out. Manchester United face Tottenham. There is a strong argument that Arsenal are favourites for this season's competition.
With that in mind Arteta may be tempted to play a slightly stronger line up than he would have liked. That starts in goal where David Raya may continue. Neto is cup tied and it's hard to see Tommy Setford being given the nod here again like he was against Preston given the quality of Crystal Palace as opposition and the importance of the game.
In defence the options to rotate are severely limited, but don't be too surprised to see Jakub Kiwior come back in for Gabriel. The Brazilian returned on Saturday and played well, but Arsenal will want to manage his minutes as he recovers from a muscle problem.
Myles Lewis-Skelly may well continue at left-back after impressing while starting the last two matches. The 18-year-old should get the nod over Kieran Tierney despite Arteta's suggestion that the Scottish international would get minutes. Riccardo Calafiori is unlikely to be rushed back for this one, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is out.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are sidelined too which means that Jurrien Timber will probably start again at right-back. Josh Nichols has been given game time in this competition, but the youngster has struggled with injuries recently, and Arteta is unlikely to throw too many kids in given the magnitude.
In midfield Declan Rice will surely be given the night off after coming off early with an injury against Everton. Jorginho is a more than able replacement.
In front of him Mikel Merino should be given a third start in a row in the left eight position. Ethan Nwaneri should get the nod too over Martin Odegaard despite the Norwegian's early exit against Everton.
Don't be too surprised to see Bukayo Saka starting this match as Arteta looks to get his business done early. Raheem Sterling will surely be given a nod, on the left wing, while Gabriel Jesus has been the go to man in this competition up front.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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