Arsenal predicted lineup, team and injury news as Mikel Arteta set to make changes vs Preston

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Arsenal are set to travel to face Preston North End in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, and changes are expected.

Mikel Arteta had to deal with several absences as Arsenal drew against Liverpool, and he was handed further problems during the game as Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes came off with suspected injuries.

Arsenal have four consecutive away games in the next two weeks, and Arteta has emphasised the importance of rotation, which we could see a lot of against Preston.

Arsenal team and injury news ahead of Preston

Arteta has revealed that both Timber and Gabriel did not suffer serious injuries against Liverpool, but Riccardo Calafiori will be out for a few weeks.

Martin Odegaard is expected to return before the international break, but the Preston game will likely come too soon.

Bukayo Saka returned from injury to start against Liverpool, but he is unlikely to be risked, and there could be good opportunities for some younger players to feature.

Hale End stars could feature in Preston vs Arsenal

A number of Hale End Academy talents made their first-team debuts against Bolton in the previous round, and some of them could be set to feature again.

With Arsenal light at the back, Josh Nichols could start at right-back again, whilst Maldini Kacurri will also be pushing for a place at centre-back.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are almost certain to start, and this will be further valuable game time for the two prodigal talents.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Preston

Several fringe players will be expected to start, and Oleksandr Zinchenko could make his first appearance since August after falling down the pecking order.

This could see Lewis-Skelly push up to midfield, with the out-of-form pair Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus given opportunities to start and impress.

Mikel Merino is still building up fitness after his injury, and he could start with Jorginho to provide experience alongside the younger players. With William Saliba also returning from suspension, he will be fully fit and ready for the game to allow Ben White to rest.

Backup goalkeeper Neto is cup-tied, but teenager Jack Porter is unlikely to start in an away game, meaning David Raya will likely continue in goal.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Preston: David Raya; Josh Nichols, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Jorginho, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino; Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling.