5 Arsenal Alternatives for Granit Xhaka & Hector Bellerin

Cédric Soares – Right-Back

The unassuming backup defender has only made one Premier League squad this season, failing to come off the bench in the 2-1 home defeat to Wolves at the end of November.

Firmly entrusted with taking up the position in every match excluding league outings, the option is there for Arteta to hand him a first top-flight start against his former employers.

Cédric Soares is not a glamorous defender – one who is going to beat two men and whip an inviting cross right onto the foot of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – instead favouring the simpler option and seeking to play in his teammate down the line at every given opportunity.

That trait is something to admire. Always on the lookout for the winger, whether on his flank or the opposite, it’s positive thinking just performed in the most statistically pleasing way.

His insight on the Saints could be useful to an Arsenal side devoid of creative thinking, although likewise, his former teammates will know every weakness and area of exploitation.