Arsenal XI vs Brentford as Aaron Ramsdale starts, key players miss out and youngsters are on the bench

Mikel Arteta has named his Arsenal XI to take on Brentford in the EFL Cup.

Published 27th Sep 2023, 18:46 BST

Updated 27th Sep 2023, 21:29 BST

Mikel Arteta’s decision to rotate Ramsdale and Raya isn’t ridiculous - but it is risky

Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal for Arsenal against Brentford for the EFL Cup third round tie.

The England shot stopper has played second fiddle to on-loan David Raya in recent weeks, but returns between the sticks for the cup clash.

Emile Smith Rowe is handed a first start since May 2022, while there is also a debut for 19-year-old forward Charles Sagoe Jr.

Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leonardo Trossard are all rested, while youngsters Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry are named on the bench.

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Kiwior, Jorginho, Havertz, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Sagoe Jr, Nketiah.

Subs: Hein, Cedric, Sweet, Walters, Zinchenko, Elneny, Odegaard, Cozier-Duberry, Jesus.

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