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We simulated Arsenal vs Bolton to get a Carabao Cup score prediction

Arsenal's predicted XI vs Bolton
-Credit: (Image: EA Sports)


Arsenal will play their first game at home in over three weeks later today when the Gunners take on League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.

A dramatic clash in Arsenal's last outing saw the Gunners pick up a point on the road against Manchester City, with Arteta's side painfully conceding a 98th-minute equaliser at the Etihad. Despite already facing clashes away to City, Tottenham, and Aston Villa in the league, Mikel Arteta's side sit just two points off top spot after five games.

Next up for Arsenal is a clash in the Carabao Cup, with the Gunners taking on Bolton in the third round of the competition. The Wanderers currently sit 18th in League One, with the last meeting between the two sides taking place in 2012.

So, can Arsenal book their spot in the Carabao Cup fourth round later today? Let's take a look.

Arsenal vs Bolton simulated to get a score prediction

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.

We predict that Arsenal could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Raya; Nichols, Kiwior, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Nwaneri, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Sterling.

We predict that Bolton could line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Southwood; Forino, Santos, Johnston; Dacres-Cogley, Thomason, Matete, Williams; Dempsey, Arfield; Charles.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty after just four minutes at the Emirates when Gabriel was hauled down in the box from a corner, and Bukayo Saka stepped up to take, sending the 'keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0 early on. The early lead seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors, and after nine minutes, Arteta's side had doubled their lead.

Gabriel Jesus made it 4-0 to Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus made it 4-0 to Arsenal -Credit:EA Sports

As Bolton attempted to play out the back, George Johnston hesitated on the ball in defence, allowing Saka to swoop in and steal possession in a dangerous area. The winger pulled the ball back for Gabriel Jesus, and the Brazilian found the bottom corner with a powerful first-time finish.

Bolton were proving to be their own worst enemy at the Emirates, with the League One side giving away another penalty in the 27th minute for a late challenge on Saka. The Englishman stepped up once again, and just like the first, he went to the left as the 'keeper dived to the right, making it 3-0. Arsenal had their tails up, and just before the break, Raheem Sterling got in on the act.

Raheem Sterling made it 4-0 to Arsenal
Raheem Sterling made it 4-0 to Arsenal -Credit:EA Sports

A half-cleared corner from Bolton saw Arsenal regain possession on the edge of the visitors box, and Ethan Nwaneri's fizzed pass to Jesus was smartly left by the Brazilian, with the ball finding its way to Sterling instead. Unmarked, the Englishman had time to shift the ball onto his left foot and curl a fantastic strike into the far corner to all but guarantee the Gunners' spot in the next round.

With such a strong lead, Arteta made a host of changes in the second half, with Arsenal playing the majority of the half in first gear. There was still time for a fifth though late on, with youngster Nwaneri firing home a cross from close range to top off a perfect evening for the Gunners.

EA FC 25 predicted final score: Arsenal 5-0 Bolton