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Arsenal: League Cup provides crucial outlet to search for squad depth
By Henry Payne
It may not be the most important competition for Arsenal, but the League Cup provides them with a fantastic chance to solve their depth problems with youth.
Arsenal take on Norwich City in the League Cup, and while it may not top the pertinence charts, it provides the Gunners with a chance to uncover something they desperately need – depth. And they can find this depth without spending a thing, as it’s youth that will provide it.
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A successful League Cup run would give them an opportunity to evaluate these youngsters as individual players, and whether or not any of them could fill a need in the first-team squad.
I expect Arsene Wenger to field a lineup similar to the one he sent out against Red Star Belgrade. That said, I would like to see a couple more academy products given a chance. It’ll cause a few selection headaches for the manager, but why not play Josh Dasilva at left wing-back and Jordi Osei-Tutu on the opposite side?
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The thought of Reiss Nelson and Jack Wilshere playing behind the striker is mouthwatering, and it is clear to see that Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a lot more comfortable in central midfield.
Instead of playing Petr Cech, why not give Matt Macey a run-out? There are plenty of questions surrounding the long-term future of the goalkeeper position, so why not give Macey the chance to put himself forward for that position? The 6’7″ giant impressed on loan at Luton Town last season, so let’s see how he handles a bigger stage.
I know I’m not the only one who questions whether or not Chuba Akpom will ever make the grade. Let him prove us wrong. If he impresses, perhaps we could cash in on Olivier Giroud.
These young players could bring competition and depth to a Gunners side that always seems to need more of it. Every fan wants to see academy prospects succeed, and if a few of our current crop can put on a good show in this competition, it could save the club millions. If this competition isn’t a priority, I feel as though we owe it to our academy prospects to give them a chance.
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A trophy would be fantastic, but I’d settle for some viable alternative wing-backs and some clarity.