Arsenal XI vs Fleetwood: Dowman starts in Carabao Cup

Max Dowman is handed another chance to impress as Arsenal visit Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup this evening, with a spot in the last eight on the line at Highbury.

Mikel Arteta has decided to rotate significantly, particularly with a big Premier League clash against Liverpool looming this weekend. Many of the Gunners’ big guns have not been selected from the start.

Dowman Starts on the Right Wing

Asked at his pre-match press conference if Dowman will start against Fleetwood, Arteta smiled and said: “Let’s see.” Dowman will start on the right wing, having impressed in the previous round with a brace in the win over Ipswich.

This tie offers the chance for Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie to get minutes after the injury issues they have had this season, while Martin Zubimendi makes a rare start.

Heavy Rotation and Debutants

Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel are among those Arteta has handed a full rest to. That means an opportunity for 17-year-old Marli Salmon, alongside Mosquera in the centre of defence.

In Rice’s absence, Myles Lewis-Skelly gets the nod in midfield, while Kai Havertz starts in a more advanced role. 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.

There are two debutants for the Gunners today as summer signing Illan Meslier is chosen ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga and youngster Ceadach O'Neill starts out wide. Christos Tzolis has stepped up his recovery from a hamstring injury and is expected to return to first-team training this week, but this match comes too soon.