Mikel Arteta has the perfect opportunity to rotate his Arsenal side when the Gunners begin their Carabao Cup campaign away to Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.
Arsenal have already faced Chelsea, Napoli and Sunderland in the space of a week, while another Premier League trip to Brighton follows next weekend.
That schedule should open the door for several players who have spent much of the campaign on the bench.
Two academy names are particularly intriguing.
**Marli Salmon and Max Dowman could both be handed starts at Portman Road.**
Arsenal travel to Ipswich for an **8pm BST kick-off on Tuesday**, with ReadArsenal’s [Ipswich vs Arsenal TV channel and live-stream guide](https://readarsenal.com/2026/09/13/ipswich-vs-arsenal-tv-channel-live-stream-kick-off-time/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) containing the full viewing information.
Right-back has suddenly become one of Arteta’s biggest selection decisions.
Ben White reportedly suffered a groin problem during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at Sunderland and is being assessed ahead of the cup tie.
ReadArsenal has covered the [fresh Ben White injury concern before Ipswich](https://readarsenal.com/2026/09/13/ben-white-injury-arsenal-ipswich/), with the setback potentially opening the door for Salmon.
SunSport reports the 17-year-old is in contention because Jurriën Timber has only just returned from his own groin injury, while Cristhian Mosquera is still recovering from a hamstring problem.
Salmon is naturally a centre-back but can also operate at right-back.
That would not be unfamiliar territory at senior level either.
Arsenal’s official profile describes the teenager as equally capable at centre-back or full-back, while he already gained first-team experience last season in the Champions League and FA Cup.
With White doubtful and Timber unlikely to be overloaded immediately after his return, Salmon is our pick to start.
Dowman is another player who could benefit from heavy rotation.
The 16-year-old has been around Arteta’s senior squad throughout the opening weeks of the campaign but is yet to play a first-team minute this season.
He instead started for Arsenal’s Under-21s against Chelsea on Saturday.
Arsenal Insider has suggested that decision could have been made with Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie in mind, with Dowman capable of playing either from the right or centrally.
That makes Ipswich an ideal opportunity.
Bukayo Saka should be rested after completing another demanding week, while Dowman can gain meaningful senior minutes without being thrown into a Premier League title race fixture.
Viktor Gyökeres should also be strongly considered.
Kai Havertz has led the line in Arsenal’s recent league matches, leaving the summer striker among the substitutes.
A cup tie at Portman Road offers Arteta the opportunity to give Gyökeres a full game and keep Havertz fresh.
Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze are also obvious candidates to come into the attacking unit.
Further back, Kepa Arrizabalaga should be in contention to replace David Raya, while Piero Hincapié, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino all need minutes.
The Carabao Cup third round is also the point at which Arsenal enter the competition because of their European involvement.
**GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga**
**RB: Marli Salmon**
**CB: Ezri Konsa**
**CB: Piero Hincapié**
**LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly**
**CM: Martin Zubimendi**
**CM: Mikel Merino**
**RW: Max Dowman**
**AM: Eberechi Eze**
**LW: Noni Madueke**
**ST: Viktor Gyökeres**
That would represent substantial rotation from the team which started at Sunderland.
Arteta still has enough senior quality available to field a strong side, but Tuesday should also provide a valuable opportunity to protect Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel and Havertz.
For Salmon and Dowman in particular, Portman Road could provide the chance they have been waiting for.