Amidst the pressure of the Premier League and the Champions League, Arsenal hit the road for a breather as they take on League Two side Fleetwood town in the 4th round of the Carabao Cup with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
Sometimes, you get a lucky break. While the rest of the remaining 12 PL sides all drew one another, the Gunners got off about as easy as it gets as they drew one of the three non-PL sides left at this stage. This is not to say a win is a given; it’s to simply say that
the dice occasionally roll your way.
The timing couldn’t be better. Arsenal came out of the international break with injury concerns that only got worse when Bukayo Saka went down with an injury early at Bayern Munich. They were able to navigate the untimely injury and fight back to earn a deserved draw before a tough win at home against Everton saw them draw them level with fraudulent Manchester City on points at the top of the table. This weekend, they head to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side that is making up ground after a slow start and will want to make an example of the Gunners after they dispatched Brighton last weekend.
While the rest of the PL sides have tough matchups and even tougher personnel decisions to make, it’s a chance for Mikel Arteta to rotate heavily, give players a rest, and give some match time to a swath of backups and youth players as he plans for this weekend’s marquee matchup.
Know the Enemy
Domestic Record: 2W-5D-5L (18th)
Arsenal return to Highbury on Tuesday night, just in a completely different sense.
It was the matchup of dreams when the Cods (incredible nickname, by the way) learned they would be hosting Premier League champions Arsenal for the 4th round of the Carabao Cup. The chance to face England’s top side for the first time ever was already exciting enough for the League Two outfit. Add in the fact that their stadium is called Highbury? It just feels right.
It’s a far cry from Arsenal’s former grounds, but it’s a nice bit of kismet that the Gunners are visiting. Sure, it’s 5,327 person capacity is a fraction of Arsenal’s old haunt, but that just adds to the charm of the Carabao Cup, and it will be positively packed to the brim with supporters eager to see the title holders play on their pitch.
Fleetwood Town have been around for over 100 years but have not yet broken through to England’s top flight in their history, having only ever made it as high as League One, where they played for a decade between 2014-2024. After being relegated to League Two, they have struggled to break back in to England’s third division, and the odds do not seem in their favor as they sit 18th out of 24 clubs after 12 matches.
Their connections to Arsenal are sparse. Former Arsenal academy player Zech Medley signed for the Cods in 2024, but has since moved on to League Two club York. Beyond that, the history between the two sides is nonexistent.
The stats paint about as one-sided a picture as it gets. Fleetwood town are currently struggling in League Two while the Gunners are making a charge at a second consecutive Premier League title. Nothing is certain, but there really isn’t any reason this should be a close, tense affair. Getting in and out with a win and no new injuries is the primary objective as a massive match at Anfield awaits.
Injuries & Suspensions
The Gunners emerged from the Everton match intact. Gabriel made it through what looked to be a painful moment when he was treated for a knee knock in the second half, but was able to finish out the match and score the second goal.
William Saliba and Christos Tzolis are not far out as they continue to recover from injuries, while the prognosis on the full extent of Bukayo Saka’s quad injury has yet to be determined. It’s likely he is out until the New Year.
OUT: William Saliba (back), Christos Tzolis (hamstring), Bukayo Saka (hamstring)
DOUBT: N/A
Predicted Lineup
Attack: Eze, Gyökeres, Dowman
Arsenal’s attack has been bearing the brunt of the injury issues, which limits the rotation. With that being said, it’s a fair assumption that Arteta will lean on a few more starters than we’d like before subbing on a few youth player.
Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres are two players that could build some confidence with a solid showing ahead of the upcoming trip to Anfield this weekend. On the right, Max Dowman was the difference maker in the Gunners’ 3rd round win over Ipswich Town, and I imagine he gets the start once again.
Midfield: Merino, Zubimendi, Guimarães
Arsenal’s midfield depth has been a massive difference maker and should give Arteta the chance to leave the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard at home or, at the very least, on the bench.
Martin Zubimendi has been the odd man out this season. His quality is undeniable, but he has found match time hard to come by. Tuesday will be a chance for him to remind the gaffer of his value to the side. Mikel Merino and Bruno Guimarães rounding out the midfield gives the Gunners incredible quality, leadership, and control.
Defense: Hincapie, Konsa, Mosquera, Salmon
The Gunners’ defense is once again their strength. The return of Piero Hincapie means they can make almost wholesale changes to the back line. Tuesday is a perfect chance for the Ecuadorian to return to the side and get some match fitness.
Between Gabriel and Ezri Konsa, Konsa is the more likely of the two to be called on to anchor the back after Gabi gave Arsenal fans a scare when he landed awkwardly on his knee against Everton. Cristhian Mosquera has not seen much time since his injury at Aston Villa but should make the lineup for Tuesday. Next to him, teenage sensation Marli Salmon slots in after a solid showing at Ipswich in the 3rd round.
Keeper: Meslier
The keeper position could see either Kepa or Illan Meslier get a start. Kepa started the 3rd round match but dealt with a minor issue last week, which could give Meslier the chance to make his first start for the Gunners. Either way, David Raya should be left back in London.
WHO: Arsenal at Fleetwood Town
WHAT: Carabao Cup 4th Round
WHEN: Tuesday, October 27th, 4:00pm EST/1:00pm PST/8:00pm GMT
WHERE: Highbury Stadium
HOW TO WATCH: Broadcast on the Paramount+ app
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