Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester United: 4-2-3-1 with Martinelli?

3 of 3

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Speaking in his pre-match press conference Arteta said he was ‘hopeful’ of Saka being available to play. If Saka is, say, around 90% fit, the likely call would still be to select him in this match and then hand him a rest in the following trip to Everton.

As rotation need factoring in and workloads managed, having Saka in this one before bringing a Martinelli or Pepe into the fold against a struggling Toffees side makes sense.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – If Saka were not to play in this one with Martinelli coming in there would be a very real conversation to have about dropping the captain for the sake of balance.

Even in the case of Saka not being available, it’s still hard to envisage Arteta ever not going with his captain. He trusts him to be the focal point in this side and that won’t change for Thursday.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – Smith Rowe is someone who will need a rest soon enough. As will others, of course.

While he hasn’t shown signs of fatigue, he has been involved with the national team recently and is still only young.

Next. MUFC vs AFC: 4 key player battles. dark

Is this the game to leave him out? Of course not. The Hale Ender will be in the team. Arsenal need him.

Home/Arsenal News