It looks likely to be a case of ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ for Arsenal in their Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Preston North End. Mikel Arteta handed out starts to five Hale End graduates against Bolton in the last round and looks likely to give out a few more.

“It’s not a question about age,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “It’s that if they play, it’s because they deserve to the same as the rest of the players.

“At the end of the day we have to reward the people who each day they behave in a certain manner and they have the level to play in the manner we want to play in and if that’s the case, I don’t care if they are players from the academy, youth players, or seniors – tomorrow they will play.”

With Newcastle away on Sunday, this game offers Arteta the chance to rest a few key players while putting minutes in the legs of others who haven’t featured as much. Here’s who football.london are expecting the Gunners to start at Deepdale.

Goalkeeper – Tommy Setford

Tommy Setford appears to have what it takes to be an Arsenal goalkeeper, according to Mikel Arteta. With the Neto Cup deadlocked, expect the 18-year-old to start instead of David Raya.

Right back – Josh Nichols

Ben White will most likely start that game at right back, while Jurrien Timber will probably be needed at left back against Newcastle. Given that Takehiro Tomiyasu is still sidelined due to injury, Josh Nichols may be able to start for the first team once more.

Centre back – William Saliba

William Saliba was suspended and missed the afternoon’s match against Liverpool. With so many players out due to injury or infirmity, expect him to return right away.

Centre back – Jakub Kiwior

Against Liverpool, Kiwior replaced Gabriel in his preferred left center back position and performed passably. As the big Brazilian recovers from injury, expect him to receive a rare start in that position at Preston.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, left back

During his pre-game press conference, Mikel Arteta was speechless with his admiration for Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old will undoubtedly be trusted to do well against Preston after being brought on against Liverpool.