Arsenal vs AFC Wimbledon EFL Cup preview: How to watch, lineups, injury updates & prediction

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Dapo Mebude of AFC Wimbledon celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the Sky Bet League One match between AFC Wimbledon and Bolton Wanderers at Plough Lane on August 14, 2021 in Wimbledon, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Getty Images)
WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Dapo Mebude of AFC Wimbledon celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the Sky Bet League One match between AFC Wimbledon and Bolton Wanderers at Plough Lane on August 14, 2021 in Wimbledon, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, ESR
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on September 18, 2021 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Team News vs Wimbeldon – Emile Smith Rowe & Partey Fit?

How will Arteta approach this one? Not one for ‘weakening’ his teams in cup competitions, even he will see that this is a a favourable draw for Arsenal and one that comes days before a pivotal North London Derby later in the week.

He’ll have a fit and healthy squad to choose from too. It’s looking in good shape.

There are some concerns, though, as the three players who came off in the 1-0 win over Burnley all did so voluntarily. Kieran Tierney came off late after feeling cramp and it was the same situation for Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey.

All three are thought to be OK given the diagnoses, although even if fully fit and available it’s unlikely any of the trio were due to start on Wednesday. Smith Rowe could potentially.

Rob Holding is also back for Arteta as he was a surprise inclusion in the Burnley squad, although Wednesday will come too soon for Mohamed Elneny as he builds up fitness following a hamstring strain.

Granit Xhaka will serve the final of his three-match suspension for the EFL Cup tie, fitting in nicely for the visit of Tottenham. He will certainly be having his eye on that one.

Mark Robinson will be without key defender Paul Kalambayi for the trip across the capital, but otherwise has a fit squad.

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