Arsenal begin their EFL Cup campaign as they welcome Bolton Wanderers to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. The Gunners should be too strong for the League One side and are expected to ease to a comfortable victory.
Arsenal have impressed under manager Mikel Arteta in recent times as they have finished second to Manchester City in the last two seasons. However, there is a feeling some silverware is needed to mark the success of this renaissance and the League Cup could be seen as a great opportunity.
Things are looking smooth for Arsenal once again as they are yet to taste defeat across all competitions. Their defensive solidity was on full display on Sunday as they held out for long periods in the second half before being held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester City in a Premier League fixture.
Bolton Wanderers have already come through the opening two rounds of the League Cup. They claimed a 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town last time out with Jordan Koroma netting a brace.
Beyond the League Cup, Bolton Wanderers have struggled to find their best form this season as they are wallowing near the bottom of the League One standings. Ian Evatt’s men only just ended a run of three defeats last weekend as they triumphed 5-2 over Reading in a League One fixture.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for Arsenal
Arsenal are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies and priced at 1/12 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Bolton Wanderers is valued at 22/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 8/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Upper hand for Arsenal
Arsenal have a 53-33 advantage with 33 draws from 119 previous matches against Bolton Wanderers. The last meeting between both teams was a League Cup clash in 2011 which ended 2-1 in favour of the Gunners.
Players to watch: Jesus and Sterling set to show their worth
Arsenal have plenty of attacking quality with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard likely to feature. All three men can ensure the Gunners produce over 1.5 goals at 1/7 with Betfred.
There is also quality at the other end of the pitch with Arsenal often looking solid in defence. Riccardo Calafiori could be worth keeping an eye on at the back and can help the Gunners produce a clean sheet at 8/15 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Arsenal are likely to give some fringe players a run-out with Calafiori, Sterling, Trossard and Jorginho all pushing to start. Neto could also be given the nod in goal while Gabriel Jesus should start in attack.
Bolton Wanderers are likely to stick with the team that won last weekend with Victor Adeboyejo and Dion Charles leading the line. Josh Sheehan is likely to feature in midfield while Ricardo is set to continue at the back.
Arsenal: Neto, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Kelly, Jorginho, Rice, Nwaneri, Sterling, Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus
Bolton Wanderers: Baxter, Johnston, Ricardo, Toal, Schon, Thomason, Sheehan, Matete, Dacres-Cogley, Charles, Adeboyejo
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Arsenal’s defensive showings this season, a win to nil could be considered at 3/5 with Betfred. The Gunners also have the attacking quality to match and could be backed for a first half -1 handicap at 7/4 with Betfred.
Arsenal are expected to be dominant on Wednesday and could be backed to win both halves at 8/11 with Betfred. The Gunners will be targeting a fast start and could be backed to score within the first 10 minutes at 23/10 by Betfred.
This EFL Cup match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers will be played on Sep 25, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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