Arsenal will look to book their spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday evening when they travel to Deepdale to face Preston North End.
The Gunners haven’t been at their swashbuckling best this season, perhaps owing to the mounting list of injury problems. Sunday’s four-goal thriller against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium was no doubt two points dropped rather than one gained for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have now fallen five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Having smashed Bolton Wanderers 5-1 in the previous round of the Carabao Cup, Arteta and Co. will be hoping to emulate something similar when they face Preston North End and get back some rhythm.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal’s injury list grew in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, as Gabriel Magalhaes appeared to hurt his knee before Jurrien Timber was forced off with suspected cramp. Gabriel could be sidelined for a few weeks but Timber’s status remains unknown.
Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Martin Odegaard (ankle), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) are also sidelined. Second-choice goalkeeper Neto being cup-tied allowed teenager Jack Porter to become Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter in goal against Bolton.
Meanwhile, William Saliba returns to the squad having served his one-game ban against Liverpool.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Preston North End (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
16-year-old Jack Porter was in goal against Bolton, but Mikel Arteta may be tempted to hand another teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford his debut here instead.
Defence
Having cleared his suspension, William Saliba walks straight back into the Arsenal first XI. Given the visitors’ injury crisis at the back, Jakub Kiwior is likely to partner Saliba in central defence in midweek.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Josh Nichols could benefit from the injury problems of the senior players, with the teenagers expected to start at left-back and right-back, respectively.
Midfield
Jorginho is likely to anchor the Arsenal midfield. With his crisp passing and reading of the game, the Italy international will be key in helping the Gunners control the game at Deepdale.
He could be partnered by Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri in the engine room, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey dropping to the bench after fantastic displays against Liverpool on Sunday. The duo may come off the bench to tighten the screws in midfield if required.
Attack
Gabriel Jesus is certain to lead the Gunners’ attack, and his movement, pressing and physicality should cause problems to the Preston defence. The Brazilian is likely to be flanked by Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Martinelli.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz should fancy their chances in the second half.
