Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly start, big David Raya decision – Arsenal predicted XI vs Bolton

After an eventful weekend, Arsenal can turn their attention to the Carabao Cup when they take on Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night.

The Gunners came so close to a historic result against Manchester City on Sunday before John Stones’ last gasp equaliser. The drama did not end there though.

Erling Haaland collided with Thomas Partey and Gabriel before telling Mikel Arteta to “be humble” at the full-time whistle. The Spaniard has declined to comment on the issue, but it has surely lit a fire under the rivalry between Arsenal and City.

The Gunners will now look to move on from the late blow with a relatively kind Carabao Cup third round tie against League One Bolton. There is little friendly about the absentee list currently facing Arteta though.

Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mikel Merino are all definitely out, while Neto is cup tied, Leandro Trossard is suspended and Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and David Raya are all huge doubts.

Goalkeeper – Jack Porter

Jack Porter of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Gewiss Stadium on September 19, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
David Raya is a huge doubt for this game after picking up a thigh issue. Arsenal may live to regret signing a cup-tied back up goalkeeper in Neto, especially given that Tommy Setford is out with a hip problem. The fourth choice keeper therefore is 16-year-old Jack Porter. Arteta may take the risk to start him rather than gambling on Raya’s fitness given the form the Spaniard is in.

Right back – Josh Nichols

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Josh Nichols of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
With Jurrien Timber and Ben White both struggling with fitness and Takehiro Tomiyasu out for the foreseeable, it might be time for young Josh Nichols to get a first competitive senior start. The 17-year-old impressed in pre-season, and was not involved for the under-21s on Monday night.

Centre back – Jakub Kiwior

With such an inexperienced set of players around him, senior players like Jakub Kiwior will be key. He could start at centre-back after impressing off the bench at City.

Centre back – Gabriel

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland go face-to-face
Gabriel has worked to make his recovery between matches superb. This could be crucial given Arsenal’s lack of numbers at the back.

Left back – Myles Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly is shown his yellow card.
Mikel Arteta trusted Myles Lewis-Skelly to come on at the Etihad Stadium. Surely he’ll trust him to start here against Bolton.

 

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