Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: Predicted starting XI – Injuries, injuries, injuries

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on January 11, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on January 11, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Luke Ayling of Leeds United holds off Gabriel Martinelli during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Front Three

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 48% of Arsenal’s Premier League goals this season. It is an alarming statistic that reveals just how dependent the team is on his prolific, clinical nature in and around the penalty area. So, with Aubameyang sat in the stands thanks to a three-game suspension, the onus is on others to step up to perform in his absence.

For Mikel Arteta, not too much will change. Alexandre Lacazette will still start up-front. Nicolas Pepe will likely continue on the right. And then it is a straight fight between Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson for that final spot. I expect Martinelli to win that battle due to his added goal threat, but Nelson — and Eddie Nketiah — will be keen for the opportunity when sat on the bench.

Ultimately, this is about the players stepping up and handling the post-Aubameyang responsibility. For all of their pretty, possession-based play, Arsenal have struggled to create chances and score goals under Arteta. That task will not get easier without Aubameyang.

Arsenal: 3 players whose return will change team. dark. Next

For Arteta, then, managing suspensions and injuries will be vital. Arsenal need a victory, but they must find out shorthanded.