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

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Burnley – Charlie Patino Debut?

Arsenal: Leno; Chambers, Holding, Mari, Tavares; Sambi Lokonga, Maitland-Niles, Martinelli, Smith Rowe, Nketiah; Lacazette

AFC Wimbledon: Tzanev; Alexander, Heneghan, Nightingale, Lawrence; Woodyard, Hartigan, Chislett, McCormick, Assal; Pressley

Arsenal vs AFC Wimbledon Score Prediction

There is a considerable gulf in class between these two sides, albeit an interesting comparison in the dugouts: Mark Robinson is also in his first managerial role at AFC Wimbledon.

It will come down to quality on the pitch and this should, in theory, be quite a comfortable win for the home side. While a brilliant occasion for Wimbledon and one they thoroughly deserve, their focus is on securing promotion from League One. They’ve got nothing to lose in this one and might try and make a fist of it. Why not?

Arteta’s lineup will be fascinating as there will be no better opportunity to field some of the club’s academy stars, or least give them memorable minutes late on. It’s unlikely that he’ll go with any debuts from the start but expect some spots on the bench for the likes of Charlie Patino, Kido Taylor-Hart and Omari Hutchinson, who have all impressed in the Under-23 side.

Which striker does he go for, too? Lacazette, Nketiah and Balogun are all vying for minutes and if you’d ask supporters there is only one of those three who should be on the pitch.

As for the game it, well, should be comfortable. Arteta will obviously take this seriously but with an eye on Sunday’s North London Derby, and getting some goals on the board nice and early to save energy will be the game plan.

It should be a fun evening. Hopefully the visitors don’t sit back and hold out for penalties (they might) and we’re treated to a decent encounter.

One that however it goes is Arsenal’s to lose.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 AFC Wimbledon