Mikel Arteta makes seven changes, 18-year-old makes his debut: Arsenal predicted XI vs Bolton

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to ring the changes when Bolton Wanderers travel to the Emirates Stadium in the EFL Cup.

Arsenal have just ended a run of incredibly tough away trips, and managed to stay unbeaten in all three, beating Tottenham in the process.

Although Arteta will want to take the EFL Cup as seriously as possible, there's several players in desperate need of a rest, the likes of Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Martinelli.

In tandem, there are also those dying for a start.

Raheem Sterling is still yet to make his full Arsenal debut and the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly will surely be handed a chance from the off, too.

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At his press conference, Arteta was asked if any serious injuries were picked up against Manchester City and said: "We have to wait [on] one of them" – an ominous response.

Therefore, Arsenal will surely avoid any chance of further issues against Bolton, and Arteta could make as many as seven changes.

That includes an Arsenal debut for 18-year-old right back Josh Nichols, who may come given that none of Arteta's right backs appear to be available.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is still out, Ben White played through injury on Sunday and Timber has been run into the ground, three players who shouldn't even be in the squad.

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Arsenal fans may be shocked to see Bukayo Saka in that XI – he's another who needs a break.

But the Gunners are bereft of options on the wing, and given that Saka came off at half-time against Man City, he may be better placed for minutes than Martinelli.

Ismeal Kabia may also make his Arsenal debut vs Bolton

Perhaps Arteta may turn to Ismeal Kabia, who should at least be in the squad given he didn't play for the under-21s on Monday.

After featuring for the club in pre-season, Ayden Heaven may also get the call up to Arteta's squad on Wednesday.

Heaven, who is now a crucial player for the under-21s as well, was substituted at half-time against Stoke in the 1-0 win.

Otherwise, Sterling should make his first Arsenal start as mentioned – a player Arteta said is 'very hungry' right now.

And given he missed the Tottenham game through suspension, Declan Rice should be deemed fit enough to add some experience to Arteta's midfield alongside Jorginho.

David Raya is a doubt, he might be rested ahead of the weekend given he picked up a minor issue against City.

However, given that Neto is cup-tied, Arteta could stick with his number one.