Mikel Arteta could do something for the first time in EFL Cup amid Arsenal selection headache

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Arsenal are preparing for their EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

After overcoming lesser opposition in rounds prior to the quarter-final, the Gunners will face a Premier League test when Palace come to visit.

Arsenal beat Bolton Wanderers in style in the third round before heading on the road in the fourth to face Championship side Preston North End.

Ethan Nwaneri starred again against Preston, booking the North Londoners a place in the final eight.

• READ MORE: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: EFL Cup TV channel, live stream details, team news and more

Mikel Arteta could hand David Raya his EFL Cup debut for Arsenal 

Mikel Arteta has used the EFL Cup to hand academy jewels and fringe players a chance to shine this season.

That being said, without disrespecting prior opponents, there has been room to take greater risks given the difference in standard.

Now, Arsenal face Palace in a must-win game for both sides, who will be desperate to take a step closer to a trip to Wembley.

With the change in standard comes a possible change in approach, giving Arteta somewhat of a selection headache when it comes to who he starts in goal.

16-year-old Jack Porter earned his senior debut against Bolton in the third round, standing in as David Raya and Tommy Setford were injured. 

With second-choice ‘keeper Neto cup-tied in the tournament, Setford started against Preston in the fourth round, seeing Arteta keep the faith in the younger members of his squad.

Arteta’s decision against Preston made Arsenal history, being the first manager to field two teenage goalkeepers in a single campaign.

Now, the boss could be tempted to do something he’s never done before at Arsenal by handing Raya his EFL Cup debut for the club.

Aaron Ramsdale was Arsenal’s cup ‘keeper during the Spaniard’s first season in N5 and could now make his long-awaited debut in the tournament. 

Raya must start against Crystal Palace

As the competition gradually moves into its latter stages, Arteta must be less lenient with his team selection.

While the two young ‘keepers are budding talents, against Palace, the boss must look to Raya to provide a reliable presence between the sticks. 

Raya has been described as Arsenal’s game-changer this season, elevating his game to bolster the Gunners’ outlet from the back.

Against Premier League opposition when the stakes are high, there’s little room for error, giving Arteta little choice but to break tradition and hand Raya his EFL Cup debut.