Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has named a strong starting XI for tonight's EFL Cup third-round clash with AFC Wimbledon.
The Gunners cruised past a youthful West Bromwich Albion side 6-0 to book their spot in the third round, and Arteta has resisted the temptation to give youth a chance on the big stage.
Earlier reports confirmed that midfield starlet Charlie Patino was not going to be involved on Wednesday, and Arteta has made a statement of intent with a relatively strong side.
🎺 @LacazetteAlex captains the side
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 22, 2021
💫 @g_martinelli01, @EddieNketiah9 return
🧤 @Bernd_Leno starts in goal
Our team news for tonight's #CarabaoCup match against @AFCWimbledon 👇
Bernd Leno makes an expected return in between the sticks following Aaron Ramsdale's Premier League appearances, while Nuno Tavares earns a start in defence alongside Cedric, Pablo Mari and Rob Holding.
Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Thomas Partey man the midfield, while Mohamed Elneny makes the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah are both handed spots in the final third alongside Alexandre Lacazette, who will don the captain's armband against the League One side.
