Five Arsenal academy stars Mikel Arteta must play vs Port Vale, including the ‘next William Saliba’

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Arsenal will be putting their Premier League and Champions League aspirations on hold in midweek when they take to the Carabao Cup.

The Gunners have only won the League Cup twice in their history; once in 1986/87 and the second time in 1992/93.

Mikel Arteta will be looking to end that wait, with his side’s competition beginning against League One outfit Port Vale.

For Arsenal, there is an opportunity to test out the new squad depth available to the manager.

However, it is also a good opportunity to give a chance to a few youngsters within the academy, giving them a taste of senior football.

So, with that said, here’s a look at five Arsenal academy stars who could be given a chance to impress in the Carabao Cup tie with Port Vale.

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Max Dowman

Perhaps the most obvious option to play is Max Dowman.

At just 15 years old, Dowman has already made his Premier League debut, with plenty of promise surrounding his future in the game.

A penalty won against Leeds was a highlight, while the youngster also featured against Liverpool.

The forward is yet to make a first start, though, which may come in the League Cup tie with Port Vale.

It offers an opportunity to show what Dowman can do against senior opposition, who won’t make it easy for him to play.

Marli Salmon

Coming through the age groups with Dowman is Marli Salmon.

The young defender has been well ahead of his peers from a similar age, having only turned 16 last month, but having featured for the under-18s and under-21s for some time now.

Salmon has been likened to William Saliba in the early parts of his career, but there is plenty more to come.

It may be an opportunity for the 16-year-old to get a chance with the senior team, even if it’s just a few minutes from the bench.

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Andre Harriman-Annous

There could be an opportunity for Andre Harriman-Annous to feature and make his senior Arsenal debut.

The 17-year-old is a versatile forward, capable of playing on either wing, as well as a striker.

There was a place for Harriman-Annous to feature in the matchday squad against Liverpool, his first time being with the senior team for a match.

Now, he could be handed an opportunity to get his first minutes in competitive action.

Seb Ferdinand

After the injury to Noni Madueke and the potential desire to rotate the team, Arsenal could look at Seb Ferdinand as an option for the wing.

The 19-year-old may not start, but he has been a regular on the right flank in the Premier League Two, so far this season.

Ferdinand is yet to be in a matchday squad for Arsenal, but it could be the perfect opportunity to give him a few minutes.

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Charles Sagoe Jr

Charles Sagoe Jr is one of the few Arsenal youngsters who has some senior experience in the football league.

Loan spells with Swansea City and Shrewsbury Town may not have worked out for the winger, but he has now had a taste of those levels.

At 21 years old, he will be looking to make that next step, and more senior minutes with Arsenal could help him do just that.