There is a spot in the last eight on the line at Highbury, but many of hte Gunners’ big guns will not be in attendance.
Mikel Arteta is set to rotate significantly, particularly with a big Premier League clash against Liverpool looming this weekend.
Asked at his pre-match press conference if Dowman will start against Fleetwood, Arteta smiled and said: “Let’s see.”
Dowman should start on the right wing, having impressed in the previous round with a brace in the win over Ipswich.
This tie offers the chance for Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie to get minutes after the injury issues they have had this season, while Martin Zubimendi is also in line for a rare start.
Opportunity knocks for Max Dowman
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Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel are among those Arteta could opt to hand a full rest to.
That could mean an opportunity for 17-year-old Marli Salmon, potentially alongside Mosquera in the centre of defence.
In Rice’s absence, Myles Lewis-Skelly will hope to get the nod in midfield, while Mikel Merino looks the favourite to start in a more advanced role.
Noni Madueke has become an important player in attack with Bukayo Saka out injured, so Arteta might opt to protect him.
Viktor Gyokeres is still waiting for his first Arsenal goal this season and this looks an ideal opportunity for the striker to get on the scoresheet and build some confidence.
Christos Tzolis has stepped up his recovery from a hamstring injury and is expected to return to first-team training this week, but it remains to be seen whether this match comes too soon.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Salmon, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly; Dowman, Merino, Eze; Gyokeres
Injured: Saliba, Saka
Doubts: Calafiori, Tzolis
Time and date: 8pm GMT today, Tuesday October 28, 2026
Venue: Highbury Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports