Max Dowman is expected to start for Arsenal when they travel to face Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. The Gunners take on the League Two side for a place in the quarter-finals, with Mikel Arteta set to rotate significantly ahead of a big Premier League clash against Liverpool this weekend.
Dowman set for starting role
Asked at his pre-match press conference if Dowman will start against Fleetwood, Arteta smiled and said: “Let’s see.” The teenager should start on the right wing, having impressed in the previous round with a brace in the win over Ipswich.
The tie also offers the chance for Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie to get minutes after the injury issues they have had this season, while Martin Zubimendi is also in line for a rare start.
Rotation and injury latest
Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel are among those Arteta could opt to hand a full rest to. That could mean an opportunity for 17-year-old Marli Salmon, potentially alongside Mosquera in the centre of defence.
In Rice’s absence, Myles Lewis-Skelly will hope to get the nod in midfield, while Mikel Merino looks the favourite to start in a more advanced role. Noni Madueke has become an important player in attack with Bukayo Saka out injured, so Arteta might opt to protect him.
Striker and return updates
Viktor Gyokeres is still waiting for his first Arsenal goal this season and this looks an ideal opportunity for the striker to get on the scoresheet and build some confidence.
Christos Tzolis has stepped up his recovery from a hamstring injury and is expected to return to first-team training this week, but it remains to be seen whether this match comes too soon.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Salmon, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly; Dowman, Merino, Eze; Gyokeres
Injured: Saliba, Saka. Doubts: Calafiori, Tzolis.
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Tuesday October 28, 2026. Venue: Highbury Stadium. How to watch: Sky Sports.
