After a 1-0 away win against Burnley in the last Premier League fixture, Arsenal are back in midweek action against League One side AFC Wimbledon.
Arsenal’s Premier League campaign didn’t start well as they lost three consecutive matches against Brentford, European Champions Chelsea and Manchester City. However, with two back-to-back 1-0 victories against Norwich City and Burnley, things look positive for Spaniard Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
In the second round, Arsenal thrashed West Bromwich Albion by a score of six goals to nil. The Gunners will definitely be looking to secure a place in the last 16 of the EFL Cup at the Emirates tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Mark Robinson’s men come into this game with a first & second-round victory against Charlton and Northampton respectively.
Both the clubs have met each other 28 times, with the Gunners winning 13 of the matches with seven matches ending as a draw. Wimbledon have only managed to find a win eight times against the North London Club.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: 22nd September 2021.
Time: 19:45 GMT
Referee: Jarred Gillett
TEAMS NEWS
Arsenal
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka will be unavailable due to a three-match suspension. Mohammed Elneny is recovering well from the hamstring injury he suffered against Brentford in a friendly match. The Egyptian will be assessed ahead of the match. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney will be a doubt for this game as both the players were subbed off against Burnley last weekend due to muscle cramps. Academy star Charlie Patino is also in contention to feature against Wimbledon after his impressive displays with the Gunners youth teams.
Injured: None.
Doubt: Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Mohamed Elneny.
Suspension: Granit Xhaka.
AFC Wimbledon
Manager Mark Robinson will be unable to call upon the services of Paul Kalambayi as the centre-back is sidelined for at least a month with a quad injury. Midfielder Jack Rudoni will undergo a late fitness to determine his availability for the game.
Injured: Paul Kalambayi.
Doubt: Jack Rudoni.
Suspension: None.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno(GK), Cedric Soares, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ainsley Maitland Niles, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Alexandre Lacazette.
AFC Wimbledon (4-5-1): Nik Tzanev(GK), Cheye Alexander, Ben Heneghan, Will Nightingale, Henry Lawrence, Alex Woodyard, Anthony Hartigan, Ethan Chislett, Luke McCormick, Ayoub Assal, Aaron Pressley.
