Advertisement
Arsenal step away from Premier League action tonight as they welcome Brighton to the Emirates Stadium for an EFL Cup Round of 16 matchup.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been flying in the league, sitting four points clear at the top with just one loss since the start of the season. But with a busy schedule ahead, the manager is expected to rotate heavily for this cup tie. Declan Rice and William Saliba are both sidelined through injury, while Gabriel Magalhaes will likely be rested ahead of Arsenal’s weekend trip to Burnley on November 1.
One of the main changes will be in central defence, where new summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are expected to start together. Mosquera, who arrived from Valencia, has already featured three times across all competitions, while Hincapie’s progress has been slower due to early-season fitness setbacks.
The Ecuadorian joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with an option to buy. So far, he has made only two substitute appearances, but Arteta looks ready to give him his first start after receiving glowing feedback from former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
Arteta spoke highly of what Hincapie will add to the team, calling him a “warrior” who will bring intensity, energy and emotion to the squad. He added that the defender’s versatility will be valuable, as he can play both centrally and out wide, but emphasized that Hincapie still needs to reach full match fitness to perform at his best.
Hincapie left Leverkusen this summer after making 166 appearances and helping the club secure their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season.
With Arsenal’s depth being tested, tonight’s match gives Arteta a chance to rotate, test new combinations, and give his younger or less-used players valuable minutes as the club continues its push across multiple competitions.