Arsenal are famed for bringing through their Young Guns in the League Cup, so how will the team line up at home to Coventry City tomorrow night?
Ryo Miyaichi, Wojciech Szczesny and even Manuel Almunia are among the Arsenal players to make their competitive first team debuts in the League Cup in recent years, and there is every chance Arsene Wenger could hand the same opportunities to other future first teamers tomorrow night.
Even for those who have already played in the first team, the competition and ‘comfortable’ home fixture gives youngsters an opportunity to impress and get used to playing in front of the big crowds, and show what they can do.
Here is a look at five young talents who Arsenal could field tomorrow night…
Nico Yennaris
Yennaris actually made his debut in the Fourth Round of last year’s competition in a 2-1 win over Bolton. The defender is close to a first team spot, and even played 45 minutes at home to Manchester United in January, coming on for the hapless Johan Djourou at right-back and acquitted himself very well. He is the captain of Arsenal’s NextGen side, and impressed on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, and is expected to be feature.
Thomas Eisfeld
Thomas Eisfeld was arguably the most impressive player on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, outshining established first team stars, scoring two goals. The German central midfielder was signed from Borussia Dortmund in January, and fans have even compared him to Mario Gotze. There is a confidence at the Emirates that he has the ability to step up, and this is a fixture he will have been targeting as a chance to impress.
Serge Gnabry
Gnabry is highlighted by many as the most impressive starlet currently in Arsenal’s youth setup, which speaks volumes in itself. The 17-year-old German can play as a winger or as a central attacking midfielder, and has pace to burn. While a starting role may be too much to ask tomorrow, a spot on the bench would be no surprise at all.
Damian Martinez
Arsenal’s fourth choice goalkeeper would not have expected to be so close to the first team this season, but had anything happened to Vito Mannone against Manchester City, he would have been called upon with Fabianski and Szczesny injured. For that reason alone it makes sense to hand Martinez some game time, and also throw a wildcard into the goalkeeping mix by allowing the 20-year-old Argentine to show what he can do.
Jack Wilshere
The most well-known player in this list, and one who Arsenal fans are most desperate to see. The England international has not played in over a year, and returned to full training last week. This game could be too soon, but Arsene Wenger has not ruled it out, and after hearing about how Wilshere is chomping at the bit in training, it could present the perfect opportunity to ease the 20-year-old midfield starlet back into first team action.
image: © Ras Dam
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