With injuries mounting up and Champions League football back at the Emirates, I fully expect us to play a complete changed XI tonight against Brentford. That will give the opportunity to 3 teenagers to make their bow for the club.
Here is who I predict could start…
Reuell Walters
It has felt like teenage defender Reuell Walters has been on the cusp of making his debut for a couple of years. It is incredible that he is still just 18!!!
A central defender turned right back, he has spent 3-years in our academy learning the inverted role.
Has a game not to dissimilar to Ben White, expect him to line up at right back tonight.
Lino Sousa
On the opposite flank to Walters will be another 18-year-old fullback – Lino Sousa.
Recruited from WBA last season, Sousa is thought of so highly by the club that they decided not to recruit to replace Kieran Tierney in the summer.
Another highliy rate fullback – Joel Lopez – was released last summer following Sousa’s acquisation. Lopez was the regular left-back for the U23’s and 3 years Sousa’s senior.
Amario Cozier-Duberry
With injuries mounting up in attack, I can not see Mikel Arteta risking Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketieh or Bukayo Saka ahead of Bournemouth.
All 3 getting a rest will see Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson get a start.
I expect Nelson to play on the left wing, and Smith Rowe to get a start as one of the Number 8’s (I think the other will be Jorginho with Elneny behind). That leaves the right wing.
Jack Wilshere described Cozier-Dubberry as “unplayable” and someone that “can make things happen”. Big things are expected for him in the future, and a League Cup run-out will allow Arteta et al to establish exactly where his development Cozier-Dubberry is.
Two more to keep an eye on
Ethan Nwaneri made the news last year when he made his Premier League debut for The Arsenal at just 15-years-old, ironically against Brentford. His career stalled (if you can say that about a 16-year-old) last season due to contract wrangling. In the end he agreed a new deal.
Our top scorer in the Premier League 2, despite only being 16 and a midfielder, he is hugh talent.
Expect him to be on the bench as Arsenal look to give game time to senior pros like Elneny and Jorginho.
Whilst Nwaneri gets a lot of the hype, some feel that Myles Lewis-Skelly might go on to have a better career at Arsenal.
A central midfielder capable of playing in both defensive and attacking roles, the youngest has both the technique and workrate to make it to the top. Expect Mikel Arteta to be keeping an eye on him with the path to the first team squad potentially opening up if Elneny, Jorginho or Partey depart next summer.
Expected line up:
Ramsdale
Walters Tomiyasu Kiwior Sousa
Elneny
Cozier-Duberry Jorginho SmithRowe Nelson
Havertz
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 