Arsenal travel to Fleetwood Town tonight for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
Kick-off is at 8pm at Fleetwood’s Highbury Stadium, a familiar name for Arsenal supporters, although this will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
The League Two side have already beaten Chesterfield, Shrewsbury Town and Championship outfit Sheffield United to reach this stage for the first time in their history.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive following Saturday’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton, which moved us level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal Team News and Predicted Starting XI
Mikel Arteta is expected to make significant changes, particularly with our challenging run of Premier League fixtures beginning at Liverpool on Sunday.
As confirmed in Arsenal’s official match preview, Bukayo Saka remains unavailable, alongside William Saliba and Christos Tzolis.
However, Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera were both on the bench against Everton and could be handed valuable minutes tonight.
Youngster Max Dowman is another player supporters will be eager to see. The 16-year-old scored twice against Ipswich Town in the previous round and deserves another opportunity.
I’d also start Viktor Gyökeres. Despite the recent criticism, the striker has contributed assists in consecutive appearances, and this could be an ideal opportunity to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
Our predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1):
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurrien Timber, Marli Salmon, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié; Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Max Dowman, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze; Viktor Gyökeres.
That would provide a mixture of experience and youth while allowing several of our regular starters, a much-needed rest.
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Fleetwood Threat and Our Score Prediction
Fleetwood have struggled for consistency in League Two, but their cup performances suggest Arsenal cannot afford to take them lightly.
Matt Lawlor’s side favour a 3-1-4-2 formation and are particularly dangerous from crosses and set pieces.
Captain Ched Evans and Ronan Coughlan provide an attacking threat, although Fleetwood will be without suspended wing-back Lewis McCann and injured midfielder Kane Thompson-Sommers.
There will be no VAR tonight, and if the scores are level after 90 minutes, the tie goes straight to penalties.
Arsenal should have more than enough quality to progress, even with a heavily rotated side. However, Arteta will expect the same professionalism and concentration that has served us so well this season.
Our prediction: Fleetwood Town 0-3 Arsenal.
Hopefully, Gyökeres gets himself on the scoresheet, Dowman produces another exciting performance, and we progress without any further injuries.
What starting XI would you choose tonight, and what’s your score prediction?
Join the conversation in the comments below.
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