Mikel Arteta to make 2 big Arsenal changes vs Man City as £5m player returns
Arsenal take on Manchester City in today’s much-awaited Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
The Gunners are aiming to win their first silverware since the 2020 FA Cup final against Chelsea.
The London giants have received a timely boost with Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber back in first-team training. They are likely to make the matchday squad against the Cityzens.
Ahead of the game, Manager Mikel Arteta looks poised to make two changes to the starting line-up from the 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Goalkeeper switch
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the Gunners’ preferred choice in goal for the Carabao and FA Cup this term.
The Spaniard has played every minute in the club’s run to the League Cup final, and The Athletic confirm that the 31-year-old will continue between the sticks ahead of David Raya.
Raya has been phenomenal for the Gunners in the Premier League and Champions League this season. He made a spectacular save against Leverkusen on Tuesday evening.
Despite this, Arteta is prepared to keep his faith in Arrizabalaga. The £5 million signing has kept three clean sheets in the Carabao Cup. He faces a big test against the Cityzens today.
Timber returns at right-back
Timber appeared to pick up an issue with his ankle during the first half of the 2-0 win over Everton in the Premier League last weekend. The Dutchman was subsequently replaced with Cristhian Mosquera at right-back.
Ben White got the nod over Mosquera at right-back in Timber’s absence against Leverkusen in midweek. Timber is back in full training and looks poised to be reinstated in the defensive position against Man City.
Jeremy Doku is one of the finest dribblers in the modern game, and Timber’s strong defensive presence in one-on-one duels should see him return to the starting XI at right-back ahead of White and Mosquera today.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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