Arsenal wonderkid poised for full debut vs Port Vale

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman looks poised to make his full debut for the club during the Carabao Cup third round tie against Port Vale on Wednesday evening.

The Gunners registered a frustrating 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. Gabriel Martinelli salvaged a point with a late equaliser in stoppage time.

Dowman was not in the matchday squad for the contest. With Bukayo Saka back in the mix after a hamstring injury, the teenager featured for the Under-21s instead on Saturday.

The 15-year-old scored a wonderful solo goal and became the Gunners’ youngest ever scorer for the Under 21s in the 3-2 Premier League 2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Dowman could now make his full senior debut for the London giants at Vale Park on Wednesday.

Noni Madueke started on the right wing during the 1-1 stalemate against the Cityzens. He had a lively performance and was undoubtedly the best attacking player in the first half.

However, there was a surprise change at the interval. Saka’s introduction alongside Eberechi Eze meant that Madueke was substituted at the break.

Manager Mikel Arteta clarified after the game that the decision was rather forced on him, with the £35 million-rated star picking up an injury early on.

With Madueke possibly sidelined, Dowman looks poised to make his full debut on the right wing.

The 15-year-old made his senior debut off the bench against Leeds United last month. He won a penalty, which was converted by Viktor Gyokeres.

Arteta went on to hand Dowman more minutes at Anfield. The youngster was a late substitute ahead of Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard, who were left on the bench.

Dowman has not appeared for the Gunners since, but could feature from the off in the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Port Vale away from home.

We anticipate Dowman to start on the right wing with Ethan Nwaneri in the number 10 role.

Gabriel Martinelli could lead the line on the back of his recent goalscoring heroics. Eberechi Eze could feature from the left wing after his superb cameo.

Bukayo Saka is unlikely to be risked from the starting line-up on the back of another hamstring injury lay-off. He could make a substitute appearance if required.

Elsewhere, there should be a debut for Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. Piero Hincapie and Christian Norgaard could be handed their maiden starts for the Gunners.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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