Sheffield United vs Arsenal: Balogun and Azeez deserve a spot

Arsenal travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday evening to face a Sheffield United side destined for a return to the Championship. Mikel Arteta has injuries galore to contend with and planning for next season’s Premier League campaign is already underway. Why not push that timeline forward?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being absent from the fixture due to ‘flu’ leaves open yet another space in the squad for those on the periphery of the first team to make the next step up.

Miguel Azeez and Joel Lopez both featured on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in the Europa League, and with further injuries/illnesses/bad backs adding to those from midweek Arteta now has the chance to grant academy players a first Premier League matchday appearance.

Set to put pen to paper on a new four-year contract in north London, Folarin Balogun‘s future u-turn was a welcome piece of news in the aftermath of Thursday’s disappointment – how coincidental – and with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah edging closer to the exit door in the summer, he looks set to be integrated into the senior fold.

https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1380493853548023809

Sheffield United vs Arsenal: Folarin Balogun and Miguel Azeez deserve a spot in the squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash

With the captain absent against the side rooted to the foot of the table, as well as various other regular squad members absent, there is little reason for him not to get a place on the bench. He hasn’t covered himself in glory during these negotiation periods, but with that in the past Arsenal might as well start the process.

The same applies to Azeez, who is admittedly closer to the starting lineup. Unless he departs on a season-long loan next season – which is a questionable decision given how light the Gunners will be in midfield – then the bedding in period should also come into effect.

Arsenal Under-23s are due to play on Monday but they’re in horrendous form, so let them get a taste of Premier League action. Even if they stay on the bench, it’s all on the trip to Prague now and for integration there is no match more suited than against the side statistically* Arsenal are most capable of beating.

They’ll get their chance eventually and there are still some favourable matches to come in the league, but heck, why not?

*key word: statistically.