Arsenal take on Port Vale in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday evening.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that there could be several changes.
The Spanish tactician particularly mentioned that Kepa Arrizabalaga will be making his debut.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper arrived from Chelsea during the summer transfer window and has been an unused substitute since the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
David Raya has been flawless between the sticks with four clean sheets in all competitions, but he will make way for his compatriot to start against Port Vale on the road.
Speaking in today’s pre-match presser, Arteta said: “Yes, it’s a lot of players that are going to take part in that, and they fully deserve the minutes.
“Kepa, for sure, is one of them. He’s been with us, his attitude, the way he supports us in every aspect of his role in the best possible manner.
“All this as well, they deserve more minutes than what they’re getting.”
Arrizabalaga, who is on £60,000 per week at Arsenal, had a productive season on loan with Bournemouth last term.
He made 97 saves in the Premier League with a success rate of 71 percent. The Spaniard kept nine clean sheets.
The Athletic Club graduate has been vulnerable against long shots, but he showed tremendous improvement at the Cherries.
Arrizabalaga conceded just two goals from outside the box over the course of the 2024/25 top-flight season.
His progress convinced the Gunners to purchase him as the back-up goalkeeper earlier this summer.
Arrizabalaga had a good pre-season campaign with Arsenal. He will be eyeing a clean sheet at Vale Park tomorrow.
Alongside him, midfielder Christian Norgaard could make his full debut after coming off the bench against Athletic.
Max Dowman could be handed his maiden start on the right wing. Noni Madueke is injured, while Bukayo Saka may not feature, having just returned after a hamstring injury.
Stats from Capology.com & Sofascore.com
