Fleetwood clash gives Mikel Arteta and Arsenal more than just a chance to rest key players

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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · Pain in the Arsenal ↗

Mikel Arteta can use Arsenal's Carabao Cup match against Fleetwood Town to rest key players and give minutes to those who have limited playing time, such as Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie, who have played 214 and 163 minutes respectively. The Spanish manager shouldn't be overly dismissive of this encounter. The fixture schedule has been tough on Arsenal, with 11 of their first 16 matches away from the Emirates. Arteta has coped well so far.

Arsenal face a tough schedule before and after the next international break, with matches against Liverpool, Slavia Prague, and Hull City. After the break, they'll play eight games in 30 days against strong opponents. Arteta will need every player in his squad during this period. Players like Zubimendi will be needed to spare Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes.

While Carabao Cup silverware would be a bonus, the performance in this competition won't define Arsenal's campaign. Arteta shouldn't just field a team of teenagers and leave every senior player at home, as this could be a mistake. Players like Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Merino, and Cristhian Mosquera have had limited minutes and will be required once the schedule gets tougher.