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.
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. body check tags ::
