It has been quite an impressive start to the season to say the least for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's side sit top of the Premier League table with 11 wins out of a possible 13 and managed to avoid the Europa League knockout play-off round by topping their group, seeing them safely through to the last-16.
The Gunners are now set to embark on their Carabao Cup journey as they face Brighton at the Emirates Stadium in the competition's third round on Wednesday evening. Many teams make wholesale changes to their line-ups for fixtures in the Carabao Cup but Arteta has insisted he will name a strong team.
Ahead of the game, the Spaniard said: "We’re going to pick a very competitive team. I think everyone deserves chances, and we’ll make some changes with judgement in relation to the load of the players, but we’ll play to win."
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The Gunners reached the semi finals of the Carabao Cup last season, putting in a near-perfect defensive performance against Liverpool at Anfield following Granit Xhaka's red card. But a brace from Diogo Jota in the second leg saw Arsenal exit the competition.
However, Arsenal are in a much better position this season with far more squad depth and captain Martin Odegaard has insisted, in a sneak preview of his programme notes ahead of the Brighton game, that the Gunners want to fight for everything and keep the momentum they've built up through their impressive Premier League campaign.
Odegaard wrote: "It’s still very early in the season, but it’s nice to see our name at the top of the table. It’s nothing yet though, there are some very good teams around us and we’re going to stay calm, keep working hard and keep on improving.
"We have only played 13 matches in the Premier League. We know there’s still a lot we can improve on, and we’re working on that, and hopefully we will get better and keep it going.
"Momentum is important too and that’s another reason why tonight’s game against Brighton is vital too. It’s in another competition but we want to fight for everything.
"So we’re only looking at it as another important game for us. I don’t know but maybe there will be some changes in the team – even if there is, I think everyone is ready to play. Whoever is called upon will give everything because we are ready as a unit to play all the games."
Odegaard also gave his thoughts on Remembrance Day, with Arsenal set to pay their respects ahead of Wednesday's game
He said: "Finally, on behalf of the whole squad, I want to underline our support for the Poppy Appeal and outline how important it is every year that we continue to remember all those who gave their lives so that we could benefit.
"I must say I really admire how the Premier League clubs always mark Remembrance Day, and as club captain I’m very proud to be a part of what Arsenal are doing - to pay tribute to the amazing people who served during the wars, and sacrificed so much for us all."
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