Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Brentford – Carabao Cup

Arsenal are in domestic cup action on Wednesday night as they visit Brentford in the third round of the Carabao Cup. 

While the Gunners reached the semi-finals of this competition two years ago, success has otherwise been pretty scarce. They’ve lifted the trophy just twice.

Arsenal were dumped out at this early stage by Brighton last time out, and they’ve been dealt a tricky draw in this season’s third round.

Arteta has a mountain of injuries on his plate but was always likely to rotate heavily for this game anyway.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Brentford – Carabao Cup

Here’s the starting XI the boss could pick for Wednesday’s cup tie.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – David Raya is eligible for this one, but Ramsdale should return to the fold after being dropped in favour of the Spaniard.

Cedric Soares (RB) – Cedric’s minutes will only come in this competition (if he does get the nod). Arteta has several options at full-back.

Reuell Walters (CB) – The only academy graduate likely to start on Wednesday, Arteta is unlikely to risk any of his favoured back four on Wednesday.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) – The Pole has proven to be a serviceable option in multiple roles since joining the club. Kiwior will be tasked with leading the defensive line at Brentford.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (LB) – Tomiyasu is surely a shoo-in to start this cup tie. He deserves more minutes and this is a great chance to impress.

Midfielders

Jorginho (DM) – After his nightmare on Sunday, Arteta should grant Jorginho the opportunity to get back on track in west London. He needs minutes under his belt, especially if Declan Rice is going to spend some time on the sidelines.

Emile Smith Rowe (CM) – The crafty playmaker has been thrust to the backbenches and he’s currently playing a peripheral role. Gooners will look forward to seeing ESR in action.

Kai Havertz (CM) – The German’s Arsenal career has got to ignite somehow.

Forwards

Fabio Vieira (RW) – Vieira has played this role in the past, but he’ll need his right-back to get on the overlap to offer him the chance to drift infield. Not my favourite role for Vieira, but I can envisage him being utilised here on Wednesday.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Arteta doesn’t yet trust the Brazilian to play a full 90, so he should share minutes with Eddie Nketiah.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – Nelson has to play against Brentford. Otherwise, what was the point of extending his contract? Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli are all absent.