Arsenal teenager Max Dowman is expected to play a central role against Fleetwood Town as Mikel Arteta considers giving the 16-year-old a more regular place in his side.
Dowman was named player of the match after impressing against Ipswich Town in the previous round and is set to operate as Arsenal’s creative focal point again. Although Arteta has used him sparingly this season, Bukayo Saka’s injury has created an opportunity for the academy graduate to establish himself.
Dowman could compete with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze for a starting position, with neither having yet shown consistent form since joining Arsenal. His emergence comes during a week dominated by discussion of the Ballon d’Or, when Lamine Yamal’s rapid promotion by Barcelona and Spain has highlighted the benefits of trusting young talent early.
Arsenal’s decision over Dowman could prove significant for both the club and English football.
Savage aims to continue Peterborough revival
Robbie Savage has taken five points from his first four matches as Peterborough United manager after leaving National League club Forest Green Rovers in early October.
Peterborough have scored seven goals under the former Wales and Leicester City midfielder, who promised an attacking approach. They now face a Bradford City side that has conceded only five goals in 12 League One matches.
Michael Duff replaced Graham Alexander four days after Savage’s appointment and Bradford have kept four consecutive clean sheets, although three of those matches finished 0-0. They have scored only 10 times in the league but sit third in the table.
Bradford, runners-up in 2013, are offering tickets for £5 as they seek a large crowd and a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1992.
Liverpool and Chelsea weigh up priorities
Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso must decide how strong to make their teams when Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday, with both clubs facing important Premier League fixtures this weekend.
Liverpool have won three successive matches and are in the middle of a run of four home games. They must decide whether to prioritise the visit of champions Arsenal on Super Sunday or maintain their current momentum with another victory.
Rio Ngumoha is certain to start against the club where he began his career. The young Liverpool forward impressed against Villarreal in the Champions League last week and played the final 13 minutes of Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton.
Chelsea will be seeking a response after their “awful” 2-0 defeat by Tottenham, according to Gary Neville. Alonso also has league matches against Man Utd, Sunderland and Leeds to consider, while Cole Palmer is suspended after being sent off against Spurs.
Paul Merson told Sky Sports: “If they get beat by Liverpool and Man Utd this week, then Chelsea are in big trouble. You’d be seriously thinking they’d be lucky to get Champions League this season. And that can’t happen. Whatever happens, that can’t happen.”
Brighton seek another upset against Manchester City
Manchester City and Brighton meet twice this week, in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League, giving Fabian Hurzeler an opportunity to show his side can consistently challenge the division’s strongest teams after their weekend defeat by Liverpool.
Brighton are unbeaten in their past four matches against Man City, winning two and drawing two – their best run against the club. Hurzeler’s high-intensity style has often unsettled City, and Brighton will believe they can eliminate the holders.
European demands test Aston Villa and Bournemouth
Aston Villa and Bournemouth have both benefited from their European campaigns after making slow starts domestically.
Villa did not score in the Premier League until their 2-1 defeat by Nottingham Forest on September 12 and claimed their first league win at Tottenham a week later. They then beat Club Brugge 3-2 and have gone seven matches unbeaten in all competitions since defeating Coventry City in the previous Carabao Cup round.
Bournemouth did not win in the top flight until October 18, but victories over AC Milan and Manchester United have formed part of a four-match winning run. The two clubs must now balance European football, the Premier League and their cup ambitions.
Fulham momentum increases pressure on Palace
When Fulham and Crystal Palace met in early September, both managers were under pressure after losing their opening two Premier League games. The situation has changed before Wednesday’s rematch.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham have beaten Hull and Coventry in consecutive league matches. Oscar Bobb’s late winner at the CBS Arena and back-to-back clean sheets have suggested greater resilience and defensive stability, giving Arbeloa breathing space through what has been described as “Arbeloa-ball”.
Pierre Sage is under mounting pressure after Palace followed a defeat by Brighton with a loss to Newcastle, conceding seven goals without reply. Palace have shipped 19 league goals, the division’s worst record, and Sage’s insistence that the problems are not tactical has done little to ease supporter discontent.
Brentford target a third successive quarter-final
Brentford travel to Sunderland in confident form and have reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in three of the past five seasons, including the last two.
They were eliminated by the eventual winners in 2024/25, Newcastle, and 2025/26, Man City, while Chelsea knocked them out at the same stage in 2021/22. Keith Andrews will hope to go further this time, but Sunderland stand in their way.
Sunderland have lost six of their past eight League Cup fourth-round ties, most recently in 2021/22, although home advantage and the unpredictability of knockout football could make them a threat.
Everton and Newcastle meet before league rematch
The tie between Everton and Newcastle may offer more than a chance to rotate before their Premier League meeting on Monday night.
Everton’s thin squad has been affected by Jack Grealish’s illness and Jarrad Branthwaite’s concussion, meaning David Moyes may have to rely on the same group again.
Newcastle’s resources are also reduced, but their depth has been strengthened by Anthony Elanga’s return during the league victory over Crystal Palace. Matthias Jaissle may select a strong side as Newcastle pursue the trophy they won two years ago under Eddie Howe.
The match could provide an early marker before the sides meet again on Merseyside 96 hours later.
