Five Arsenal players who must impress Arteta if given chance against Wimbledon
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Mikel Arteta is expected to name a much-changed Arsenal side to face Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.
With a vital North London derby against Tottenham awaiting them on Sunday, Arteta will need his key men fit and ready to go at the weekend.
That should provide those on the periphery of the squad with a chance to impress and put themselves in the running to start in the Premier League.
Arsenal's biggest win so far this season came in the previous round as they dispatched West Brom 6-0, and victory over League One outfit Wimbledon will secure their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Daily Star Sport looks at five Gunners players who need to impress Arteta tonight.
Bernd Leno
With Aaron Ramsdale seemingly replacing him as the club's no. 1 goalkeeper, German stopper Leno needs to put in a performance of the highest quality if he gets the nod against Wimbledon.
Leno didn't do much wrong to lose his place, but Ramsdale has been excellent since stepping up, justifying his £32m price tag.
Leno is unlikely to settle for being a back-up at Arsenal, so if he wants to stay in north London, needs to take any opportunity with both hands.
Calum Chambers
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Versatile defender Chambers hasn't looked in the best of form this season in his few appearances so far.
The 26-year-old massively underwhelmed in the defeats against Brentford and Manchester City, and knows he needs a good performance to put himself back into contention.
Chambers shouldn't have too much to worry about against Wimbledon, but will have to be at the top of his game to cut out any threats.
Nuno Tavares
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Tavares' only start for Arsenal came in the West Brom thrashing, so he is likely to get the nod again tonight, with Kieran Tierney likely to be rested.
The left-back knows he will have to play out of his skin to dislodge Tierney at left-back, but an impressive performance could earn him a start at wing-back if Arteta switches into a five-back system.
Tavares cost the Gunners £8m in July, agreeing a long-term contract from Benfica.
Folarin Balogun
Arteta raised plenty of eyebrows when he started Balogun up front in the season opener against Brentford.
The 20-year-old failed to make the grade though, and having been hooked on the hour mark, has only played 11 minutes of football since.
Balogun could get another chance to impress though against Wimbledon, and will need to put in a better showing this time.
Alexandre Lacazette
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At this stage Lacazette is literally playing for his future, with the Frenchman's contract set to expire next summer.
The 30-year-old is being strongly linked with an exit, but Arteta insists he will still play an important role this season, and he is in need of game time.
A couple of goals against Wimbledon would no doubt get him back in the groove, and he'll be hoping he can use that as a spring board to get himself back into form.
- Arsenal FC
- League Cup
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