Football
Raya out, who will start in goal for Arsenal against Bolton? Sixteen-year-old Jack Porter is ready to make his debut
Arsenal are preparing for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Bolton, where manager Mikel Arteta could deploy a few less busy players. The main question, however, is who will start at goalkeeper, as David Raya is likely to be given time off with a minor injury.
Arsenal are preparing for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Bolton, where manager Mikel Arteta could deploy a few less busy players. The main question, however, is who will start at goalkeeper, as David Raya is likely to be given time off with a minor injury.
- Raya is likely to be given time off due to a minor injury, but should be back for this weekend’s game.
- The number two goalkeeper, Neto, is unable to start because he played the second leg for Bournemouth
- Sixteen-year-old Porter could get a chance and is one of the options for Wednesday’s game
Young Porter will get a chance for Arsenal
Raya, who recently suffered a minor injury, should be rested for Wednesday’s game against Bolton. However, he is expected to be ready for Saturday’s league game against Leicester. Goalkeeping number two Neto, who came on loan from Bournemouth, cannot play because of cup rules. Arteta is therefore considering other options.
One of those options is 16-year-old Porter, who could get his first big chance. Arsenal fans are curious to see what line-up Arteta will choose for this game.
An opportunity for players who haven’t played as much
In the pre-match press conference , Arteta stressed that Wednesday’s game against Bolton is an ideal opportunity for players who have not played as much so far this season. “I prefer to rely on facts rather than conjecture. Tomorrow we will see who will be available,” Arteta said. “It’s a great chance for players who haven’t got so many opportunities to show what they have.”
Moreover, the Spanish coach stressed that his main goal is to win: “We want to win tomorrow’s game. We need to field the strongest possible line-up to beat Bolton and to be successful in the match.”
The young hopefuls are waiting for their chance
Other players who may get more space are youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who have already started in tough games against Tottenham and Manchester City. Arteta is very proud of their performances and attitude: “I’m really proud of them. They were able to handle difficult situations that they didn’t expect and they responded very well.”
According to Arteta, these young players are not only learning quickly but also raising the standards of the whole team. “They are great and always want more. It’s a pleasure to work with them. I am sure they will get more chances because they are responsible and have the right attitude,” the coach added at the press conference.
Wednesday’s game against Bolton presents a challenge for the players who have not been given so many opportunities. They have a chance to show their skills and fight for a place in the line-up for the next game.
Source: Arsenal, X