Arsenal have been handed a favourable run in the Carabao Cup to date and head into fourth round action against Championship side Preston North End on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners demolished Bolton Wanderers in their first outing and are the only member of the ‘big six’ to avoid Premier League opposition in the fourth round. As a result, Mikel Arteta should be able to make sweeping changes to an increasingly injury-hit squad at Deepdale.
The Spaniard gifted minutes to a handful of academy stars in the third round and is likely to lean on a mixture of youthful exuberance and hardened experience for the meeting with Preston.
Here are three youngsters to watch out for on Wednesday evening.
The Premier League’s youngest ever appearance-maker, Ethan Nwaneri’s future is bright. Evidence of that was on full show during the 5-1 win against League One Bolton, with the 17-year-old scoring twice to secure safe passage into the next round for the Gunners.
The sleek midfielder has made several cameos from the bench for Arsenal this season, including against Liverpool in a crunch clash at the weekend. Arteta has already shown the faith and trust he has in the teenager, who has dazzled when handed the opportunity to shine.
Nwaneri should start on Wednesday and will be keen to build upon last month’s exceptional Carabao Cup display.
The versatile Myles Lewis-Skelly has long been revered by Arsenal supporters and is starting to make his presence known to those outside north London. The midfielder has filled in at left-back this season amid an injury crisis for the Gunners and could be offered another opportunity to impress at Preston.
Lewis-Skelly’s appearance tally has now reached five in all competitions and the 18-year-old started in the previous round of the Carabao Cup. He was also introduced from the bench against Liverpool, coping admirably against Mohamed Salah after his introduction.
Injuries have opened the door for Arsenal’s young defenders and Josh Nichols is one that has prospered as a result. The 18-year-old featured at right-back in the win over Bolton and even helped set up the opening goal with his deflected cross.
Arsenal will be relieved to have Jurrien Timber available after an injury scare against Liverpool but Nichols could start on Wednesday to offer the Dutchman a rest. He certainly did his chances of featuring no harm with an impressive display against Bolton on his debut.
