Arsenal take on Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are back home after three consecutive away fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Atalanta and Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a late heartbreak against the champions on Sunday – Arsenal didn’t lose, but City’s late equaliser hurt almost as much as a defeat.
The North Londoners have to pick themselves up for a game against Bolton on Wednesday night, and we expect Arteta to make a number of changes.
A few academy players could get opportunities at the Emirates. Some of them could even make their debuts – either from the start or off the bench.
Three Arsenal youngsters could make their debuts vs Bolton
Jack Porter
Jack Porter is a 16-year-old goalkeeper who joined Arsenal back in 2020.
Porter has been spotted in first-team training sessions recently and Arteta could be forced to deploy him against Bolton on Wednesday night for the first time ever.
Porter, who broke a Champions League record by becoming the youngest goalkeeper ever to make the matchday squad, is in line to play because David Raya is likely to be rested after his knock against Manchester City, Neto is cup-tied and third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford is injured.
Porter could break a few records if he plays against Bolton in the Carabao Cup.
Ayden Heaven
Ayden Heaven turned 18 just a few days ago, and he is expected to be in the squad when Arsenal take on Bolton on Wednesday night.
The talented teenager joined the Gunners when he was just 13 years old. He has developed brilliantly behind the scenes and was even called up to Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Heaven really impressed in America, and his performances there could help him earn his senior debut against Bolton at the Emirates.
Heaven has mostly played as a centre-half recently, but he is capable of playing higher up the pitch as well, in a box-to-box midfield role.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Arsenal wonderkid Ayden Heaven including age, height and stats
Josh Nichols
Josh Nichols is another youngster who was a part of Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the summer. The 18-year-old played under Arteta in America and impressed.
Nichols, who has been compared to Ben White, is naturally a right-back, but he can play on the opposite side as well. He is good on the ball, loves going forward and has developed brilliantly in the academy.
White is struggling with a knee issue, while Jurrien Timber has played a lot of football already this season. We think those two deserve a break.
If that happens, we expect Nichols to get his senior Arsenal debut against Bolton.
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