LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Fans pose for a photo outside the stadium prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

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Carabao Cup: Arsenal vs Bolton Preview & Prediction H2H Kick-off Time How to Watch

Sep 23, 2024

Mikel Arteta’s side is fresh from a difficult week that saw them face Tottenham in the league derby, Atalanta in the Champions League, and then Manchester City in the Premier League.

However, Arsenal should now be able to enjoy a stress-free evening as they come into the Carabao Cup clash with third-tier Bolton Wanderers, their first game in the competition this season. They start from the third round due to their participation in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers will be hoping to keep the momentum they gained with their thumping 5-2 win over Reading at the weekend.

While the Gunners bypassed the first two rounds, Bolton defeated Mansfield Town (penalty-shootout victory) in the first round and Shrewsbury Town (2-0) in the second round to set up the contest with Arteta’s men. If you’re considering placing a bet on this match, be sure to check out our 1xbet review for insights and offers.

Head to Head (H2H)

Total Matches: 133
Arsenal Wins: 58
Bolton Wanderers Wins: 39
Draws: 36

Recent Form

Arsenal (in all competitions): D-D-W-D-W

Bolton Wanderers (in all competitions): W-L-W-L-W

Key Facts

Arsenal will face Bolton Wanderers for the first time since 2012, a game that ended 0-0.
This will be the 134th fixture between the two teams.
The Gunners have won just two of their last six Cup games.

Date, Kick-Off Time, and Venue

Date: Wednesday, September 25
Kick-off time: 19:45 (BST)
Stadium: The Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: Joshua Smith

How and Where to Watch Arsenal vs Bolton?

In the United Kingdom:

Fans can enjoy the Arsenal vs. Bolton game on Sky Sports+ or the Sky Go app (with a subscription).

Outside the United Kingdom:

United States: Paramount+
Canada: DAZN

Arsenal vs Bolton Preview

Just two points adrift of Manchester City, Arsenal now switch their focus to a tournament they have won only twice in their history – in 1987 and 1993. The Gunners’ last two EFL Cup games at home have ended in defeat to Liverpool and Bolton, meaning that Arsenal has not won a home match in the tournament since 2021.

Bolton, which is ranked 18th in the League One table with just two wins from six, reunites with Arsenal 12 years after their last meeting, a goalless Premier League 0-0 draw in 2011-12.

However, the Trotters haven’t progressed further than the third round of the EFL Cup since the 2011-12 season, where Arsenal coincidentally ended their campaign in the last 16 round.

Arsenal vs Bolton Team News

Given his squad’s relentless schedule, Arteta will obviously make plenty of changes, including three challenging away trips. However, some of the changes could be enforced, with Leandro Trossard set to miss out after picking up two yellow cards against Manchester City.

Arsenal will also be without Takehiro Tomiyasu, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and Kieran Tierney. Ben White played the second half against Manchester City with an injury, making him doubtful about today’s game.

Also, Arteta won’t have the services of David Raya for today’s contest, who was seen limping after the draw. Experienced goalkeeper Neto is cup-tied, making him unavailable to feature. Hence, we might see the 16-year-old Jack Porter in the goal tonight.

So we can see the likes of Jakub Kiwior, Ayden Heaven, Ethan Nwaneri, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the starting XI. Importantly, Raheem Sterling could also make his first start for the club.

Former Arsenal academy star Jordi Osei-Tutu will miss out on today’s fixture due to a knee injury. Carlos Mendes Gomes (Achilles), Klaidi Lolos (Ankle), Gethin Jones (Knee), and Will Forrester, who broke a toe and dislocated another after falling down the stairs in an accident, will also miss the game.

Evatt is expected to land the same XI that thrashed Reading on Saturday, but former Burnley and Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, the only player over 30 in the squad, could return due to his invaluable experience.

Predicted Line-up:

Arsenal: Raya; White, Heaven, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; S Oulad M’Hand, Jorginho; Saka, Nwaneri, Sterling; Jesus

Bolton Wanderers: Southwood; Toal, Johnston, Santos; Dacres-Cogley, Thomason, Arfield, Dempsey, Schon; Adeboyejo, Charles

Arsenal vs Bolton Prediction

Arteta is expected to rest most of his big-name players, while some are injured. But even second-string and youth-heavy Gunners have the required quality and firepower in their team and will have a go at Bolton.

On the other hand, Bolton, who have been handed one of the toughest teams in the third round, will try to use this opportunity to show their mettle against a well-drilled side.

Indeed, Arsenal have generally struggled in this tournament under Arteta. Still, they shouldn’t have any problem advancing to the next round here, as it’s difficult to see his side losing at home to a team in League One.

We Say: Arsenal 3-1 Bolton

When is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw?

If Arsenal gets past Bolton, they will know their opponent for the fourth round just after their game. The draw is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, with a live draw conducted on Sky Sports after the Liverpool vs West Ham match.