3 Bukayo Saka alternatives for Arsenal vs Man United – ranked

1. Gabriel Martinelli

For the sake of balance, a front four of Smith Rowe, Odegaard and Martinelli on the right with Aubameyang at centre-forward can be seen lacking in certain areas.

There are two players in that attack who want to attack the box and be direct, so using Lacazette as the No. 9 would actually suit Martinelli, and Smith Rowe, that bit more. That said, Arteta will never drop Aubameyang and therefore tactical work has to be done to find symmetry within the team.

But it’s possible and, in having Martinelli on the right, not only is he the option most would prefer over Pepe, he also keeps Smith Rowe out on his best flank.

Bursting with life and constantly stretching the opposition back four with off-the-ball runs, he brings unpredictability and directness down the right hand side. These are traits Pepe may lay claim to, although unpredictability few will agree he possesses.

There is also scope for interchangeability in forward areas, as seen when Saka came over to the left against Newcastle, with Martinelli picking up central zones and constantly keeping the United backline shifting around where their collectively poor spatial awareness can be exploited.

As far as choosing between the three options, it’s relatively straightforward: Smith Rowe is best out on the left, Pepe looks way off where this team needs to be, and Martinelli has confidence surging through his veins and energy to burn.

If Saka is fit? Well, he plays. Of course. We all know that.