11 Arsenal wonderkids Mikel Arteta can unleash against Bolton in EFL Cup

It's no secret that Premier League clubs often use the earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup to give their youth some valuable minutes on the pitch, especially when they are playing lower league teams

Arsenal face Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening - and you may see some unfamiliar faces on the pitch.

Premier League sides usually use the early stages of cup competitions to give their youth players some vital game time, especially when they are facing lower league sides. And considering Bolton are in League One at the moment - a far cry from their own Premier League glory days - the Gunners take may the opportunity to showcase some of their top U21 talents.

Not only does this give first-team players vital time to recover with Arsenal in the middle of a jam packed Premier League and Champions League campaigns, but it also gives lesser known prospects the opportunity to flourish for all the world to see.

But who are some of the names that football fans may see on their television screens in tonight's Carabao Cup third-round clash? And how have they been progressing at youth level? Here, Mirror Football breaks it down...

Jack Porter

While David Raya has cemented his name as Arsenal's number one since making the move from Brentford this summer, Jack Porter could be the first name on Arteta's team sheet in the future. A talented youngster, Porter signed a scholarship with the club this year after making four appearances for Arsenal's U18 set-up.

His only clean sheet in the 2023/24 season came in the form of a 9-0 dismantling of Norwich City in April, also a part of Arsenal U18s' 8-3 win over Crystal Palace a month earlier. While the Gunners could opt for second-string Bournemouth loanee Norberto Neto, Porter could alternatively take to the nets.

Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri has made three appearances for Arsenal's first team since 2022, despite remaining in the club's U21 team for the most part. His debut came against Brentford in September 2022, entering the field two minutes into stoppage time for Fabio Viera - while his second appearance came in February this year against West Ham - once again coming off the bench during the 6-0 thrashing.

His most recent appearance for Arsenal's first team landed earlier this month, replacing Bukayo Saka in the 86th minute against north London rivals Spurs. It will be interesting to see if Arteta gives the youngster his first start this evening.

Maldini Kacurri

Albanian centre-half Maldini Kacurri joined Arsenal's youth system from Fulham in 2022, and currently plays for the U21s side at the age of 18. He is yet to make his first team debut for the north London outfit, and with a struggling first-team defence, this evening's Carabao Cup clash with Bolton could prove the perfect opportunity.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Myles Lewis-Skelly made his long-awaited Arsenal first team debut in the Gunners' 2-2 stalemate with Manchester City at the weekend, replacing Timber in 90+2 in a bid to see out a 2-1 win at the time. Ultimately, John Stones equalised with the last kick of the game, but 17-year-old Lewis-Skelly could be given a full run out this evening to see how he plays in a full 90-minute fixture.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, 21, differs to many players on this list, having made a number of senior appearances for Cheltenham Town and Accrington Stanley on loan from Arsenal's U18 and U21 sides. The striker made 11 appearances for the latter in 2023, before making a further 13 for Cheltenham across the 2023/24 campaign - and while he was unable to score for either, the opportunities gave him some much-needed game time at a senior level.

Jimi Gower

Centre-mid Jimi Gower was a key-player in Arsenal's U18 squad which reached the FA Youth Cup final last season, playing six games and scoring one goal. With a wealth of youth experience in the bag under Jack Wilshere, it could be time for Gower to be unleashed temporarily in Arsenal's first team.

Michal Rosiak

Michal Rosiak, who can play in defensive-midfield or as a full-back has proven time and time again that he can score from anywhere on the pitch. He netted 16 goals in 41 appearances at U18 level, as well as setting up a further 14 - and the 18-year-old has already bagged his first goal of the 2024/25 campaign with the U21s.

Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand

Dutch 21-year-old Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand rose through the ranks of Feyenoord before making the move to Arsenal's youth set-up in 2022, and he has also been sent out on loan to develop further as a player in recent seasons. He spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Hull City, but unfortunately wasn't selected for a single league game.

A loan to Den Bosch between 2023/24 proved far more fruitful for the midfielder, making 20 appearances and scoring three goals across all competitions. The youngster is yet to make his Arsenal first team debut, but Arteta could give him the opportunity this evening.

Ismeal Kabia

Fellow Dutchman Ismeal Kabia is also yet to make a senior appearance for the Gunners at the age of 18, but the right winger has already impressed at U21 level this season. With a goal to his name in three games, Arteta may choose to rest Saka this evening and give the youngster a shot in the cup.

Ayden Heaven

Defender and box-to-box midfielder Ayden Heaven joined Arsenal from West Ham United at the age of 13. Five years on and the Englishman is a part of Arsenal's U21 squad, making 20 appearances in total for the side, including three in the current Premier League 2 campaign. It will be interesting to see if the youngster receives his first senior appearance against Bolton.

Josh Nichols

As Josh Nichols wasn't included in Arsenal's U21s game on Monday evening, it could be a sign that the 17-year-old is about to receive his first competitive senior start - especially considering Jurrien Timber and Ben White are both thought to be struggling with fitness. A versatile player, Nichols can play at right or left back, as well as on the right-hand side of midfield, allowing Arteta to utilise him however he sees fit.

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