Arsenal are eyeing their third consecutive win in all competitions as they take on AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup. After a disastrous start to the new season, the Gunners have managed to turn things around a bit, thanks to back to back win over Norwich City and Burnley. Mikel Arteta’s men will now be hoping to earn a bit more momentum ahead of their all-important North London derby this coming weekend.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs AFC Wimbledon
Defence
It isn’t hard to predict that Arteta would want to make many changes from the side that featured against Burnley on the weekend, as he keeps one eye on the important derby against Tottenham.
As such, new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu, as well as Ben White and Kieran Tierney are destined to be rested, especially as the latter looks to recover from his slight knock. In their stead, Arsenal are likely to recall the likes of Calum Chambers and Nuno Tavares, as the two occupy the fullback slots.
As for central defence, Pablo Mari and Rob Holding are tipped to replace Gabriel and White in a completely new-look Arsenal backline that will hope to secure their third consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.
There could be another change in goal as well, with Bernd Leno hoping to come in for Aaron Ramsdale. The German will be keen on making an impression after losing his place in the team to the former Sheffield United shot-stopper.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka remains unavailable for Arsenal as he continues to serve his three-game ban. Arteta, meanwhile, is almost certain to rest Thomas Partey, thus paving the way for Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to operate in the double-pivot.
It will be an exciting opportunity for Maitland-Niles, in particular, to make his presence felt in the first team especially with Xhaka falling out of favour due to his lack of temperament.
Attack
As for the attack, Arteta is likely to rotate with Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to return to the bench. Emile Smith Rowe is a leading candidate to replace Martin Odegaard in the side while Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli may operate as the wide attackers.
Arsenal are going to receive additional thrust from Maitland-Niles, but the onus will largely be on the creative trifecta as they look to provide scoring opportunities for Alexandre Lacazette.
