After an eventful weekend, Arsenal can turn their action to the Carabao Cup when they take on Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night.

The Gunners came so close to a historic result against Manchester City on Sunday before John Stones’ last gasp equaliser. The drama did not end there, though.

Erling Haaland collided with Thomas Partey and Gabriel before telling Mikel Arteta to “be humble” at the full-time whistle. The Spaniard has declined to comment on the issue, but it has surely lit a fire under the rivalry between Arsenal and their title rivals.

The Gunners will now look to move on from the late blow with a relatively kind Carabao Cup third round tie against League One Bolton. There is little friendly about the absentee list currently facing Arteta though.

Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino are all definitely out, while Neto is cup tied and Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all huge doubts.

Arteta may use this as an opportunity to play some of the academy stars of tomorrow. It’s a tricky balancing act, though, as the Spaniard is desperate to win a first trophy since 2020 and will want to avoid a shock upset.

Thankfully for him, football.london’s Arsenal writers are on hand to help out. Here’s who they would pick for the clash.

Tom Coley – Sport Central Audience writer

It’s not been an ideal for few weeks in terms of team preparation for Arteta but that shouldn’t matter too much here. Arsenal’s core squad is more than good enough to get this done even if key players are missing.

Jack Porter is the only available goalkeeper so he is in from the start. The defence could change in front of him, though.
It would be good to give Ben White another rest but question marks over Timber leave that uncertain. Ideally the Dutchman would be able to share some minutes here.

In the middle, this is a great chance to get Jakub Kiwior up to speed. He goes alongside William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in what remains a strong backline. With no real alternatives on either flank, Arteta’s hands are tied.

The midfield has more flexibility due to Ethan Nwaneri, who is surely due a start. It would be good to see Myles Lewis-Skelly get a runout as well after his Premier League debut on Sunday. Outside of those two, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jorginho and Thomas Partey stay together.

In attack, Raheem Sterling has the perfect opportunity to make his first start on the right, Gabriel Jesus also goes from the off through the middle, and it’s Gabriel Martinelli continuing on the left.

Coley’s XI: Porter; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Partey, Jorginho, Nwaneri; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli.

Josh Holland – Sport Central Audience writer

After such a tough week, Arsenal are expected to give a rest to most of their star players against Bolton Wanderers. Not only are Wednesday night’s opponents in League One, they find themselves 18th in the table.

Fortunately for Arteta, the Gunners face winless Leicester City in the Premier League at the weekend meaning there is more flexibility. However, with Leandro Trossard’s suspension, the options are a little short.

Neto being cup-tied means Jack Porter is likely to replace David Raya in goal. Changes are expected in defence with Jakub Kiwior, Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly coming in to partner. Either Jurrien Timber or Riccardo Calafiori would be the best option to retain their spot to continue building their match fitness.

Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri come in midfield for me with Declan Rice retaining his spot after missing the 1-0 win over Tottenham. Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling will be desperate to impress Arteta to boost their chances of becoming a first-choice.

Gabriel Martinelli showed glimpses of his best at Man City and a run-out against lower league opposition could do his confidence wonders.

Holland’s XI: Porter; Timber, Heaven, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Rice, Nwaneri; Martinelli, Jesus, Sterling.

Kaya Kaynak – Chief Arsenal correspondent

The Arsenal side looked absolutely knackered at City, so I think it’s a decent opportunity for the academy kids to get a chance to shine.

David Raya is a doubt, but if he’s even slightly fit I’d start him. In defence I think Gabriel is required to bring some leadership and I’m starting him alongside Jakub Kiwior. With so many injuries at full-back, though, I’m starting Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left and Josh Nichols on the right.

In midfield Jorginho will also bring some much-needed experience to this youthful group. I’m throwing the uber-talented Ethan Nwaneri into the Martin Odegaard role as the right No.8, while Declan Rice’s athleticism means he should be fine to go again.

In the forward line, Leandro Trossard’s suspension slightly changes plans. I’m handing Raheem Sterling a full debut on the left wing, while Gabriel Jesus plays up front. On the right wing I’m taking a gamble and starting Bukayo Saka. There aren’t too many other options here and the England international only played 45 minutes at the weekend.

Kaynak’s XI: Porter; Nichols, Kiwior, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Nwaneri, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Sterling.