Arsenal team news: Expected XI vs Wimbledon as Mikel Arteta makes 10 changes for cup tie

Mikel Arteta post game press conference Burnley

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Arsenal will be hoping to secure a place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup with victory over League One side AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday night. The Gunners hit six of the best against West Bromwich Albion in the previous round of the competition to book a meeting with the Dons, with Mikel Arteta expected to make plenty of changes from the narrow win at Burnley on Saturday. Express Sport takes a look at the Arsenal side that could entertain Wimbledon at the Emirates Stadium this evening.

Goalkeeper – Leno

Bernd Leno looks set to start between the sticks for Arsenal after losing his place in the Premier League to new signing Aaron Ramsdale.

The latter, who joined the club from Sheffield United last month, has turned plenty of heads with his shot-stopping ability and composed distribution from the very back.

Leno has been forced to settle for a supporting role as a result, but it seems as though he could return to the limelight for the visit of Wimbledon.

The German stopper will be looking to keep his first clean sheet of the new campaign after conceding nine goals in his previous three outings.

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Defence – Chambers, Mari, Holding, Tavares

Arteta is expected to ring the changes in defence this evening, with Calum Chambers likely to come in at right-back in place of Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The Japanese defender has played in each of Arsenal’s last two Premier League fixtures and could be given a rest ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.

A central pairing of Pablo Mari and Rob Holding could be in line to feature, while Nuno Tavares looks primed to start on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s back four.

The Portuguese starlet could replace Kieran Tierney, who is a doubt as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.

Midfield – Lokonga, Maitland-Niles, Smith Rowe

Arteta will be without Mohamed Elneny this evening, with the injured Egyptian midfielder expected to return to full training next week.

Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka will also be forced to watch from the stands as he continues to serve his suspension after his red card against Manchester City before the international break.

This is likely to see Albert Sambi Lokonga start yet another game for the Gunners, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles may be expected to do a job alongside the Belgian playmaker.

Emile Smith Rowe could also replace Martin Odegaard in the No 10 role, keeping his starting spot from the weekend’s win with the Norwegian maestro set to be rested ahead of Sunday’s derby.

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Attack – Pepe, Martinelli, Lacazette

Nicolas Pepe has struggled to get going so far this season, but the Ivorian winger could be given the perfect opportunity to register a solid performance against Wimbledon.

He may be paired with Gabriel Martinelli, who has only played 150 minutes in the Premier League since the beginning of the campaign, on the opposite flank.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette could be set to make his return to the Arsenal side when the Dons make their way across the capital.

The Frenchman was left as an unused substitute against Norwich and Burnley but may be given the chance to boost his confidence with a much-needed goal or two this evening.

Expected Arsenal XI vs Wimbledon: Leno; Chambers, Mari, Holding, Tavares; Lokonga, Maitland-Niles; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Lacazette.

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