Mikel Arteta and Arsenal kick off their EFL Cup campaign at the Emirates, facing League One side Bolton Wanderers.
After a hard-fought battle against Manchester City at the Etihad, where Arsenal held their own despite Leandro Trossard’s red card, Arteta’s men will quickly shift focus to their cup responsibilities. The Gunners came agonizingly close to snatching a win, only for John Stones to equalize in the dying moments. Despite the fallout and accusations of “dark arts” tactics, Arteta remains focused on Arsenal’s next challenge.
The EFL Cup, historically not a priority for Arsenal, could see Arteta shift gears this season. Bolton, meanwhile, have fought their way through the early rounds, beating Mansfield on penalties and Shrewsbury Town 2-0. Manager Ian Evatt’s side will hope to capitalize on Arsenal’s fatigue after a tough run of away fixtures, though they come into this match as clear underdogs.
Bolton’s long trophy drought—66 years and counting—adds to their motivation, but they face a tough task, having not progressed beyond the third round since 2011/12, where they were eliminated by Arsenal. Evatt will hope for an upset, while Arteta looks to balance squad rotation and momentum as his team navigates a busy fixture list.
Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Porter; Nicols, Heaven, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; M’hand, Jorginho, Nwaneri; Saka, Jesus, Sterling
Bolton Wanderers
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Southwood; Forino, Santos, Johnston; Dacres-Cogley, Thomason, Matete, Williams; Dempsey, Arfield; Charles
Key Stats:
- Arsenal have won their last seven home matches against Bolton Wanderers in all competitions.
- Arsenal have been drawing at half-time and winning at full-time in six of their last seven home matches against Bolton.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
- Bolton has not progressed beyond the third round of the EFL Cup since the 2011/12 season.
- Bolton Wanderers have won three and lost three of their last six games in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Ethan Nwaneri
Academy star Ethan Nwaneri is one of the most promising young players poised for a breakthrough under Mikel Arteta this season, and these EFL Cup games provide a perfect stage for him to prove his capability at a high level. With Arsenal dealing with fitness issues and the absence of Martin Ødegaard, Nwaneri has a golden opportunity to make an impact.
If he starts in the clash against Bolton Wanderers, Nwaneri will need to take control of the game, especially in the attacking third, where his creativity will be closely evaluated.
Prediction
Arsenal 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Bolton are unlikely to come to the Emirates thinking they can cause an upset. For starters, they are not in the best of form to have the level of confidence needed to beat Arsenal, nor do they possess the quality required here.
Arsenal, on the other hand, could name a much-changed side for this midweek EFL Cup clash, and despite that, Mikel Arteta will expect a comfortable victory. Overall, the Gunners boss will use this match as a measure to add minutes into the legs of fringe stars and blood some youngsters, as the North Londoners are expected to win this third-round clash with ease.
How to Watch Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV.
