Arsenal handed favourable draw in EFL Cup as fourth round opponents announced

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Arsenal delivered a superb performance to thrash League One side Bolton in the third round of the EFL Cup, and they have now learned their next opponents.

Mikel Arteta used the game as an opportunity to hand out debuts to several academy youngsters, and Ethan Nwaneri was particularly impressive as he scored a brace.

Arsenal recorded a 5-1 victory to reach the fourth round, and after a week of difficult away fixtures, it was refreshing to have a game against lower-league opposition at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal need to find balance with regard to the Carabao Cup, as they aim to challenge in the Premier League and Champions League, and they would love to be able to continue using youngsters in this competition, and they may now have another chance to do so.

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Arsenal draw Preston North End in the EFL Cup fourth round

The draw for the fourth round of the EFL Cup has now been confirmed, with Arsenal drawn away to Championship side Preston North End.

This is a favourable draw, especially when considering some of the other ties which have now been drawn, with Preston currently 21st in the Championship.

Title rivals Manchester City have been drawn away at Arsenal’s local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, whilst Liverpool and Manchester United will also face Premier League opposition in Brighton and Leicester City.

Arsenal to travel to Preston in Cup Clash

Arsenal’s clash with Preston will bring back memories of a 2017 FA Cup tie, which was the last time the two sides faced each other.

Arsene Wenger’s side travelled to Deepdale in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2017, but found themselves trailing at half-time.

Aaron Ramsey found an equaliser before Olivier Giroud scored an 89th minute winner in front of the away fans to seal the victory.

Arsenal will return to Preston for the first time since that game, and they will hope that the Hale End Academy stars can pull off a similar result to help the Gunners progress in the EFL Cup.

Arteta will be content with the draw, as facing Man City or Tottenham again after the week Arsenal just have could have put a strain on his squad. Starlets such as Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly will hope that the Preston game provides another starting opportunity in the first-team.