It's time for Mikel Arteta to unleash Max Dowman regularly for Arsenal. The talented 16-year-old dazzled against Ipswich Town with a man-of-the-match display in the last round of the Carabao Cup and is expected to be the creative fulcrum of the Arsenal attack again against Fleetwood Town. Having largely been held back by Arteta this season, this is Dowman's first real chance since his breakthrough to become an Arsenal regular. The point where Arteta releases the shackles off Dowman and puts him in as one of his key stars is an important moment not just for Arsenal, but for English football as well. Bukayo Saka's injury has opened the door now for Dowman to play week in, week out for Arsenal. But not just as a rotational option, Dowman could really challenge Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze for a starting spot, given the pair are yet to show the consistency required since joining Arsenal.
Robbie Savage is slowly turning Peterborough United around, and now has the chance to make some history. The former Wales and Leicester City midfielder left National League club Forest Green Rovers in early October to join the struggling League One side, and has taken five points from his first four games in charge. He promised attacking football, and Posh have scored seven goals since. To reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 1992, they must unlock a watertight Bradford City defence that has conceded just five times in 12 league games.
Under new boss Michael Duff, who took over from Graham Alexander just four days after Savage was appointed, Bradford haven't conceded a goal in four matches, but three have ended 0-0. They have netted just 10 times in League One this season, yet sit third. Bradford, finalists in 2013, are attempting to boost the attendance by offering tickets for just £5, setting the stage for a bumper crowd as they look to keep their own cup hopes alive.
In the battle of the Basques, how strong will Iraola and Alonso go? The clash between Liverpool and Chelsea promises fireworks as both sides look to progress in the Carabao Cup while continuing their defensive solidity.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing