EFL Cup Returns to the Emirates as Arsenal Take on League One's Bolton

Arsenal vs. Bolton: EFL Cup Clash at the Emirates

Arsenal welcome Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening for a third-round tie in the EFL Cup. While the Gunners begin their cup journey here, Bolton have already defeated Mansfield Town and Shrewsbury Town to earn their spot in this matchup.

Match Preview
In recent years, Arsenal’s performances in the EFL Cup have been less than stellar, and they will be looking to change that narrative this season. Their resilience was tested over the weekend when they earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Manchester City. Playing with 10 men for much of the second half, Arsenal held on until conceding a late equalizer from John Stones, a goal that kept the Gunners just two points behind City.

Arsenal’s attention now turns to a competition they have won twice but not since 1993. Their home form in the EFL Cup has been less than ideal, losing their last two cup matches at the Emirates to Liverpool and Bolton. They will be hoping to avoid an early exit after being knocked out in the fourth round last season by West Ham United.

On the other side, Bolton Wanderers come into this fixture after defeating Mansfield Town on penalties and securing a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town. However, Bolton’s form this season has been inconsistent. In their last six matches, they have alternated between wins and losses, most recently securing a 5-2 victory over Reading thanks to a first-half hat-trick by Dion Charles.

Bolton, who haven't advanced past the third round since 2012, will be hoping for a cup upset against their Premier League opponents. Their last encounter with Arsenal ended in a goalless Premier League draw in 2011, and they'll be looking to rekindle that spirit in this fixture.

Team News
Arsenal’s physical battle against Manchester City took its toll, with several players picking up knocks, including David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber. Leandro Trossard will miss out after his red card in the City match, while the likes of Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, and Oleksandr Zinchenko remain sidelined with injuries. Arteta’s squad depth will be tested, and he may opt to bring in younger players such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Bolton head into the game without any fresh injury concerns following their win over Reading. However, former Arsenal player Jordi Osei-Tutu is unavailable due to a knee injury, and he will be joined on the sidelines by Carlos Mendes Gomes, Klaidi Lolos, Gethin Jones, and Will Forrester.

Possible Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; White, Heaven, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; S Oulad M'Hand, Jorginho; Saka, Nwaneri, Sterling; Jesus

Bolton: Southwood; Toal, Johnston, Santos; Dacres-Cogley, Thomason, Arfield, Dempsey, Schon; Adeboyejo, Charles