Arsenal predicted line-up vs Preston: Four youngsters to start, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Saliba take on new roles

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

In the Carabao Cup matchup with Preston North End, Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to start for Arsenal.

In their Carabao Cup fourth-round matchup with Preston North End, it appears that Arsenal will have to decide ‘whether you’re good enough, you’re old enough’. Against Bolton in the previous round, Mikel Arteta gave five Hale End graduates starts, and it appears that he will dish out a few more.

“Age is not a factor,” he stated during his press conference prior to the game. “If they play, it’s because they deserve to be treated equally with the other players.”

“At the end of the day, we have to reward those who consistently behave in a certain way and who are at a level where they can play the way we want them to. If that is the case, I don’t care if they are academy players, young players, or seniors—they will play tomorrow.”

This match gives Arteta the opportunity to rest a few important players while giving others who haven’t played as much time as they could because Newcastle is away on Sunday. These are the players that football.london believes the Gunners will start at Deepdale.

Goalkeeper – Tommy Setford

Tommy Setford of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium

Mikel Arteta seemed to hint that Tommy Setford has what it takes to be an Arsenal goalkeeper. Expect the 18-year-old to start in place of David Raya with Neto cup tied.

(Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)1 of 11 Comments

Right back – Josh Nichols

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Josh Nichols of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Jurrien Timber is likely to be needed at left back against Newcastle, while Ben White will probably start that game at right back. Takehiro Tomiyasu is out injured still, so that could open the door for Josh Nichols to get another first team start.

Centre back – William Saliba

Arsenal defender William Saliba

William Saliba had the afternoon off against Liverpool due to suspension. Expect him to come straight back into the thick of things with so many players out injured or unfit.

Centre back – Jakub Kiwior

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal passes the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Kiwior came on for Gabriel in his preferred left centre back slot against Liverpool and did OK. Expect him to get a rare start in that position at Preston with the big Brazilian recovering from injury.

Left back – Myles Lewis-Skelly

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal takes on Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta was gushing in his praise for Myles Lewis-Skelly in his pre-match press conference. Having thrown the 18-year-old in against Liverpool, surely he’ll be trusted to do a job against Preston.