I was delighted when we were drawn against AFC Wimbledon. A first meeting between the two sides since the Dons reformed. I’m situated only a short walk away from Plough Lane; Wimbledon has been my home all my life, so they are a team I look out for.
However, this game is important for Fulham - a chance to get their first win of the season after Monday’s loss.
With it still being August, the transfer chatter is still ongoing, and was one of the key questions put to Arbeloa in his press conference. Here’s what he had to say.
"The owners - they are fully committed to the project and we were discussing that maybe we can make the squad a little bit stronger and more balanced and we know that there is a room to improve.
“I'm happy with my players, my squad. I'm happy with the work of the club and the owners. They have already done amazing work in this window, let's see what we can do."
Tony Khan told talkSPORT that Fulham were still going to do business, which points towards another frantic deadline day - many fans believe Fulham need two or three more in as a minimum.
Arbeloa had some interesting things to say on Wednesday morning. He was impressed with the players’ commitment on Monday night. Despite defeat, Fulham played well in certain areas, and could have come away with a point.
“For sure we need to improve in some areas and when we are attacking, of course we are very, very open and we know that. But it's because of that that we want to press so high as quick as we can because we need to avoid the counter-attacks. We need to improve, that is for sure.
"We know that we made mistakes and we need to make some adjustments. But we are on our way."
He was asked again in the written section about transfers. If there’s a chance there could be some outgoings, as well as incomings.
“I don't know right now, because of course the transfer window is not that simple like Fantasy Premier League. It's a bit more difficult but like I said, I'm so happy with my squad, with my players, with all the work that they are doing in these weeks.
“And we will see because maybe a player can receive an offer and we will have to think about it. but right now I can’t say that we are going to sign one, two or three players or that some of our players can leave the squad, I don’t know right now.”
The cup gives a opportunity for some of the other squad players to feature. Kevin and Emile Smith Rowe were names that were put to the head coach, with the latter not getting any minutes in Fulham’s Premier League opener.
"I have so many players, all of them are very good players, but they will play if they deserve it. It's not about how much you cost, it's not about your salary, it's not about your name, it's about what you can do”, said Arbeloa.
The pitch is the most important thing. I can just select 11 players. So with Emile and Kevin I have been talking with them and they know what they have to do. Hopefully tomorrow they can play very well and so they can help us for the whole season."
Arebeloa was bold on his aims for the cup competitions this season. A winner of trophies as a player, he now wants to win on the touchline too, and pulled no punches with his cup aspirations.
"It's a great opportunity for us. It's another competition that we have a chance to make an impact and to play. Like I said before, it's a big opportunity for many of our players. We will try to win that competition for sure. This is the target.
"I think it's not just our target, for sure, Wimbledon wants to win the competition too and we need to play with that ambition."