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Arsenal vs Sunderland: 4 players fighting to start in EFL Cup

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Calum Chambers of Arsenal indicates to the match officials that his shot had crossed the goal line, shortly after the goal was awarded during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Calum Chambers of Arsenal indicates to the match officials that his shot had crossed the goal line, shortly after the goal was awarded during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Folarin Balogun of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal at Brentford Community Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) /

4. Folarin Balogun

Unlike the first team, the Under-23’s are granted a winter break from fixtures which has seen the likes of Omar Rekik, Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun training with the seniors in the build-up to Sunderland.

While Salah Oulad M’Hand was the academy man named on the bench against Leeds in the last round, it will be Balogun who’s closest to earning a start on Tuesday.

Now known that he will be moving on in January on a six-month loan, most likely to the Championship, keeping his fitness up with minutes against strong League One opposition is something he’ll be eyeing as his final involvement with Arsenal this season.

Capable of playing out on the left or through the middle, that versatility will do him favours as it could allow Arteta to leave two, or maybe all three, of Martinelli, Smith Rowe and Saka out of the team.

dark. Next. EFL Cup: Predicted lineup vs Sunderland

Clearly ready for senior football, Balogun will be coming up against tougher defences in the second tier and as a mini-taster before he secures a loan club, his place in the team is one Arsenal fans will be desperate to see.

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