Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brentford - Carabao Cup
- Vast changes expected to Mikel Arteta's starting XI after north London derby draw
- Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Jorginho could earn starts
- The Gunners have only ever won the League Cup twice
Arsenal's quest to win only a third League Cup title ever begins on Wednesday night when they visit Brentford.
Community Shield success over Manchester City in August had the Gunners' squad dreaming of more silverware in 2023/24 and they have made a strong start in both the Premier League and Champions League.
However, with injuries beginning to pile up in his squad, manager Mikel Arteta is expected to ring the changes to the starting XI that was held to a draw by Tottenham in Sunday's north London derby.
Here's the side the Spaniard may deploy on Wednesday night.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3)
GK: Aaron Ramsdale - The 2023 Yashin Trophy nominee will get his chance between the sticks with David Raya unable to face his parent club.
RB: Cedric Soares - Not a vital squad member but will get a runout in place of Ben White. Was also named in Arsenal's Champions League squad for the season.
CB: William Saliba - Is Arteta's favoured centre-back and should start to keep some continuity in an otherwise much-changed XI.
CB: Jakub Kiwior - Has been deployed in various positions at Arsenal since his transfer in January but will likely start in central defence here.
LB: Takehiro Tomiyasu - One player waiting for a chance for more regular game time, Tomiyasu made a great start at the Emirates but have seen opportunities dwindle slightly since.
CM: Kai Havertz - Still waiting for that first Arsenal goal. Looked a little disjointed and awkward against Spurs.
CM: Mohamed Elneny - His availability has been something of a mystery to Arsenal fans over the past year or so, having not played since January due to a knee problem. Was on the bench at the weekend and could get his first minutes of the season.
CM: Jorginho - Handed Tottenham their equaliser on Sunday. Arteta's response? "I love him and we love him."
RW: Reiss Nelson - Signed a new contract in July and will get opportunities in games like this to attempt to force his way into the regular starting XI.
ST: Eddie Nketiah - Should be handed the striker role again but will want more efforts on goal than he managed against Spurs (one).
LW: Emile Smith Rowe - Arsenal's squad expansion has been of detriment to Smith Rowe, who has made three appearances from the bench so far this season.
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