Arsenal will begin their Carabao Cup campaign with a home tie against Bolton Wanderers in the third round, following last night’s draw.

The match, set to be played at the Emirates Stadium, is scheduled for the week commencing September 23, with a confirmed date and kick-off time to be announced in due course.

BOLTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger chats with Bolton Wanderers Manager Owen Coyle (R) prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Reebok Stadium on April 24, 2011 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) — BOLTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger chats with Bolton Wanderers Manager Owen Coyle (R) prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Reebok Stadium on April 24, 2011 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

This clash marks the first meeting between Arsenal and Bolton since the 2011/12 season, back when the Trotters were last competing in the Premier League.

That season also saw the two sides face off in the League Cup, with Arsenal emerging victorious with a 2-1 win at home.

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup ambitions

For Arsenal, the Carabao Cup presents a valuable opportunity to compete for silverware, with the club aiming to win the competition for the first time since 1993.

The Gunners have lifted the trophy twice in their history, with their first success coming in 1987. Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal will be keen to add to their trophy haul, as they continue to balance their domestic and European ambitions.

Arteta is expected to use the Carabao Cup as a platform to give playing time to some of the club’s younger talents and fringe players, while still maintaining a competitive edge.

The match against Bolton will likely see a mix of experience and youth, as Arsenal look to progress in the competition without underestimating their League One opponents.

The return of Bolton Wanderers

BOLTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Ian Evatt, Manager of Bolton Wanderers, looks on prior to the Sky Bet League One match between Bolton Wanderers FC and Wrexham AFC at University of Bolton Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images) — BOLTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Ian Evatt, Manager of Bolton Wanderers, looks on prior to the Sky Bet League One match between Bolton Wanderers FC and Wrexham AFC at University of Bolton Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Bolton Wanderers, currently competing in League One, will view this tie as an exciting opportunity to test themselves against top-tier opposition. The Trotters have a proud history and will relish the chance to play at the Emirates Stadium, a venue where they have experienced both highs and lows in the past.

Although Bolton now find themselves two divisions below Arsenal, they have a strong fan base and will be eager to make their presence felt in North London. The Trotters’ journey to the third round of the Carabao Cup has been hard-fought, and they will approach this match with the belief that they can cause an upset.

Historical context

Emmanuel Frimpong celebrates — Arsenal’s South Korean player Park Chu-Young (c) celebrates scoring a goal with Arsenal’s Ghanaian player Emmanuel Frimpong (L) and Arsenal’s Israeli player Yossi Benayoun against Bolton Wanderers during a league cup fourth round football match at The Emirates Stadium in London on October 25, 2011. AFP PHOTO/IAN KINGTON

The history between Arsenal and Bolton is rich with memorable encounters, particularly from Bolton’s time in the Premier League. The Trotters were known for their physical and often direct style of play, which frequently troubled Arsenal in the early 2000s.

However, much has changed since those days, with both clubs now in very different circumstances.

Full Third-Round Draw

The full draw for the Carabao Cup third round has produced some exciting matchups, with several all-Premier League clashes and potential for upsets. Here is the complete list of fixtures:

Liverpool v West Ham
Manchester City v Watford
Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers
Manchester United v Barnsley
Wycombe Wanderers v Aston Villa
Coventry City v Tottenham
Walsall v Leicester City
Brentford v Leyton Orient
Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday
Preston North End v Fulham
Everton v Southampton
Queens Park Rangers v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Fleetwood Town
Brighton v Wolves
AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Barrow