Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal is set for Tuesday evening at Highbury Stadium in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. The winner will earn a place in the quarter-finals. Arsenal have not lifted this trophy since 1993 and have lost four finals since. Fleetwood have already gone further than ever before in this competition.
Team news from Fleetwood Town
Fleetwood boss Matt Lawlor gets a boost as defender Rhys Bennett is back from suspension. Ched Evans captained the side against his old club Sheffield United and is expected to lead them again. The 37-year-old has three goals in three EFL Cup games this term. Lawlor will hope that confidence can carry his side through a difficult run.
Fleetwood miss Kane Thompson-Sommers, who is out long term. Midfielder Andy Cannon, once of Wrexham, has been absent since late August and is still not ready. Lawlor has to find answers in the middle of the park without both of them. Lewis McCann has picked up his second yellow card of the competition against Sheffield United and must sit out.
Team news from Arsenal
Arsenal were not perfect against Everton. Riccardo Calafiori went directly to the dressing room at the final whistle with a knock, though Arteta thinks it is minor. Max Dowman scored twice against Ipswich and has played just 19 Premier League minutes this season, so he should start. Marli Salmon and Andre Harriman-Annous could also come in as Arteta rotates. Arteta also knows the fourth round has bitten his club before, so he will want focus as well as fresh legs.
The north London football club have a few names on the treatment table. Bukayo Saka is out with a quad problem and William Saliba has a back issue. Calafiori is expected to miss out after his knock against Everton. Christos Tzolis has a hamstring problem and is nearing a return, but Arteta may hold him back with Liverpool coming at the weekend. Saka and Saliba matter a lot, yet Arsenal have enough depth to cover both gaps on a cup night.
Fleetwood injury and suspension list:
Player Injury/Suspension Expected return date
Lewis McCann Suspended Unknown
Kane Thompson-Sommers Surgery Unknown
Arsenal injury and suspension list:
Player Injury/Suspension Expected return date
Bukayo Saka Quad Unknown
William Saliba Back November 2026
Christos Tzolis Thigh November 2026
Key Fleetwood player vs Arsenal
Ched Evans:
Evans is the man for Fleetwood. At 37, he still has the nose for a goal, with three in three cup games so far. He is also the captain, and his calm voice could matter when the Arsenal pressure builds.
Key Arsenal player vs Fleetwood
Max Dowman:
Dowman is the one to watch for Arsenal. His double against Ipswich earned him the best player award for round three. With so few Premier League minutes, this is his chance to show he belongs on the big stage.
Predicted lineups: Fleetwood vs Arsenal
FLEETWOOD PREDICTED XI: J. Lynch, S. Rooney, R. Bennett, F. Potter, R. Cirino, C. McLean, H. Neal, M. Helm, Andrew, R. Coughlan, C. Evans
ARSENAL PREDICTED XI: Kepa, J. Timber, M. Salmon, C. Mosquera, P. Hincapie, M. Zubimendi, M. Lewis-Skelly, M. Dowman, M. Merino, E. Eze, A. Harriman-Annous
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Disclaimer
The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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