Arsenal vs AFC Wimbledon: Arteta makes big selection hint

Mikel Arteta is preparing his Arsenal side to host AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup third round with the atmosphere at the club the best it’s been all season long.

Five games in with just six points on the board isn’t exactly stirring Premier League form. If someone had of asked whether you’d rather lose the first three and win the next two or vice versa, however, you’d probably prefer it in this order.

Which all stems from momentum. A key word in football that can never be understated. The North London Derby awaits after midweek and it’s a fixture that, despite being so soon into the campaign, could have a serious impact on how the respective teams’ seasons look like heading.

Victory would see it be roles reversed with Spurs winning their opening three then losing their following three, with that key word ‘momentum’ coming back into the fore. It’s in the Gunners’ favour.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1440246954055716866

Mikel Arteta drops big selection hint as Arsenal prepare to take on AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday night

While AFC Wimbledon aren’t expected to pose much of a problem for Arsenal given the 38 places that separate the sides in the English football pyramid, it appears as if Arteta it keen to maintain the continuity that has seen his side claim back-to-back 1-0 victories.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta offered some insight into his selection plans.

"“I hope that I can put out the strongest team I can,” he said, as quoted by James Benge. “That means that the players have performed really well and then give a really strong performance, and this is what we want to do.”"

Interesting of him to say so, as this was felt like the perfect opportunity to blood some young players into the team, probably off the bench, and start some fringe options who’ve been unable to make much, if any, impact so far this season.

Or is he being cryptic? Does he fell all his players fit into that bracket?

This is Arteta, after all. Sead Kolasinac at centre-back incoming.

However, the manager will also see this is arguably his best chance of silverware this season. While it won’t be the ‘strongest’ side he has (Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) his words to indicate a lineup more familiar than anticipated side. It would seem a waste, however, given the strength of the opponent.

If it is as strong as he claims then it’s clearly with an eye on building on that which he’s starting to create: defensive solidity, two No. 10’s and and a refreshed team. He’d like to keep that winning feel.

Will Arsenal get an easier game on paper all season, though? Likely not.