Mikel Arteta has given a strong indication of his lineup for Arsenal’s upcoming match against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night. The Gunners, fresh off a grueling 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, are set to host the League One side in the EFL Cup.
With Arsenal eyeing the Premier League title as their primary goal this season, Arteta faces the challenge of balancing his squad for the midweek fixture. While some key players are expected to be rested, Arteta has made it clear that he won’t be taking Bolton lightly. The manager emphasized the need to maintain respect for their opponents while giving opportunities to those pushing for more game time.
One player poised to make a significant impact is recent loan signing Raheem Sterling. Despite limited appearances since joining Arsenal, Sterling is set for a starting role against Bolton. Arteta spoke highly of the winger’s readiness and eagerness to contribute: “He’s had a few minutes already and tomorrow he has another opportunity. He is ready, he is really hungry to add more minutes and impact the team in the way that he can, and hopefully tomorrow we can see that.”
The game may also feature young talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who have already made their Premier League debuts this season. Arteta expressed pride in the youngsters’ performances: “I’m very proud of them. They have dealt with unexpected situations remarkably well, playing in two of the most challenging grounds in the Premier League, and they both responded excellently.”
Sterling, speaking after his deadline day move to Arsenal, shared his excitement about joining the club: “I’m buzzing. It’s one where we left it late, but it’s what I was hoping for. It feels like a perfect fit for me, and I’m happy we got it over the line. I’m ready to meet the boys, get settled in, and hopefully see some game time to make my mark.”
As Arsenal prepares for the clash, Arteta’s selection will aim to strike a balance between giving opportunities to emerging players and ensuring progression in the competition without risking their league ambitions.