Leicester vs Arsenal: 3 selection decisions for Arteta to make

The feeling in and around Arsenal is a joyous one. From the very depths of the pit they had dug themselves at the start of the season they’ve managed to claw their way back out in impressive fashion.

On an unbeaten eight-game run, the underlying statistic of not having lost during that time needs to be balanced out with the level of performance witnessed.

In the aftermath of the Crystal Palace draw the displays slotted into their own categories of poor, average and impressive, with the only standout 90 minutes being that against Tottenham where the result was secured before the half-time whistle even blew.

A turgid draw with Palace put the run into perspective, but following that up with a superb outing against Villa and a comfortable victory over Leeds with a second string team, those eight matches can be framed more as progressive as opposed to papering over cracks. Improvements are doubtlessly still needed, which is why Leicester will the real litmus test of this team.

3 selection decisions Arteta should make against Leicester as Arsenal take on Brendan Rodgers’ side in the Premier League on Saturday

Based off of the most recent Premier League performance it would appear that Arsenal are on an upward trajectory.

Key in that win was the changes of personnel made, with the unlikely strike partnership of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette combining in superb fashion, albeit in their own specific ways.

Despite Leicester facing their own issues this season they too have come into some form and it leaves Mikel Arteta with plenty to ponder as he takes his side up to the King Power Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

From having a set in stone starting lineup there are now some intriguing selection decisions to make. Some may be based on recency bias (often referred to as form), but there are three in particular the manager should make to give his side the best chance of securing three valuable points.

1. Keep Alexandre Lacazette in Over Martin Odegaard

If there was ever an example of how quickly matters can change in football, the roles of Lacazette and Martin Odegaard act as a perfect example.

Efforts were made to move one on in the summer while the other was the number one target of the club way before the window even opened, as Arsenal were willing to bide their time all the way up until the latter stages to bring Odegaard in for £30m.

Over the span of three matches not only is there a debate over who should be playing between the two, it’s one Lacazette is winning.

A couple of misfiring performances from the Norwegian against Brighton and Crystal Palace, coupled with two strong substitute outings and a wonderful display against Aston Villa from his French teammate, have left Arteta with a decision to make. One is a natural No. 10, while the other is taking the Wayne Rooney route of drifting further away from goal in his latter years.

Odegaard is already a wonderful footballer and will continue to grow and develop throughout his time in north London, and while Lacazette is set to bid farewell at the end of the season, the manager should not change a winning team.

Operating as a No. 10 against Villa, albeit with the license to operate higher up and make runs into the box, Arsenal were at their fluid best and the energy Lacazette transmitted should be allowed to continue emanating on Saturday.

Arsenal should play for the now. And, now, it’s the 30-year-old who warrants a start.

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