Joel Campbell and 5 Arsenal Players Hoping to Impress in the Capital One Cup

The Capital One Cup traditionally offers Arsenal's squad players a valuable chance to impress.

This season should be no different. Arsene Wenger is blessed with a wealth of options in some areas, and the tie with Southampton presents him with an opportunity to rotate his squad. A host of players are expected to make their first competitive start of the season.

Some have waited a long time for this opportunity, including Costa Rica international Joel Campbell, who seems set to make his first start for the club some three years after joining.

A good performance on this stage could thrust those fringe players into contention for a regular place. Go to the next slide to uncover five players who hope their Capital One Cup performance could edge them toward starting a Premier League game. 

Joel Campbell

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Joel Campbell has had to be patient.

He first signed for the club in the summer of 2011. Since then, he has spent three seasons on loan at three different clubs.

After an impressive World Cup, Campbell was afforded the chance to return to Arsenal. However, opportunities to shine have been few and far between. He's made just one brief cameo in the Premier League, and the signing of Danny Welbeck appears to have pushed him even further down the pecking order.

If Campbell is to stand any chance of making an impression at Arsenal, he must put in a good display against Southampton. 

Abou Diaby

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Abou Diaby's latest comeback attempt is set to continue with an appearance against Southampton.

Diaby has yet to appear for the first team this season as he continues to build up his stamina after missing most of 2013/14 with a knee problem. However, the Capital One Cup seems the ideal time to reintroduce the Frenchman.

Diaby is now 28 and in the final year of his Arsenal contract. This is his last chance to resurrect his Gunners career. With Arsenal lacking in powerful midfielders, a good performance could push him into first-team contention. 

Isaac Hayden

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Isaac Hayden has an amazing opportunity to become part of the Arsenal senior squad this season.

At present, Arsenal are woefully short of cover at centre-half. Beyond Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and the inexperienced Calum Chambers, the Gunners do not have a recognised centre-back in the senior squad.

As the captain of the U21 team, Hayden is the youth player with the best chance of winning promotion. A dominating performance against Southampton could see him earn a step up to the senior squad as fourth-choice centre-back. 

David Ospina

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David Ospina will make his Arsenal debut against Southampton. He will be determined to make an impression on his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium.

A goalkeeper of international pedigree, Ospina won't have come to Arsenal to sit on the bench. He wants to challenge Wojciech Szczesny for the No. 1 shirt, and he will need to seize every opportunity that comes his way if he is to do so. 

Lukas Podolski

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Lukas Podolski might be playing to save his Arsenal career.

Prior to the injury to Olivier Giroud, the German appeared to be headed for the exit. Giroud's broken leg earned him a late reprieve, but it's difficult to see him as a long-term part of Arsene Wenger's plans.

Podolski has yet to make a start for Arsenal this season. If he wants to break that trend, he'll need to be at his ruthless best against Southampton.