Sheffield Wednesday vs Arsenal preview: Prediction

Arsenal’s reserve side look to pick up where the first XI left off with another win in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield Wednesday. The League Cup has never been the most pressing of priorities for Arsene Wenger but, with an increasingly sizeable squad at his disposal, it provides an ideal opportunity to give several of his young guns the chance to impress. This was not available to them in the last round, when a north London derby came at the most inopportune of moments, but the manager may now consider giving a run out to several of the bright young things who have made such a notable impression in youth competition. Alternatively he has experienced squad players such as Mathieu Debuchy, Mathieu Flamini and club captain Mikel Arteta who would benefit from competitive games. Wednesday should certainly be competitive; the Yorkshire side have started the season well and lie on the edges of a playoff spot. That represents quite an improvement for the faded giant and they will doubtless be eager to claim a major Premier League scalp with which to inspire a young side. With both sides among England’s most in-form this should be an exciting cup tie that is far from easy to predict. Standard Sport examines everything you need to know below.