in

How Arsenal could line up vs Southampton in FA Cup with Martinelli up front and Pepe and Willian given chance to shine


ARSENAL visit Southampton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta has several selection dilemmas but is expected to give Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe and Willian a chance to impress.

Mikel Arteta is expected to chop and change for Arsenal’s FA Cup game against Southampton

Martinelli has returned to full fitness after his recent ankle injury picked up in the warm-up ahead of his team’s win against Newcastle.

But Willian and Pepe have fallen down the pecking order thanks to impressive displays from Emile Smith Rowe.

But Arteta is expected to play both of the well-paid stars despite their uninspiring form this season.

Eddie Nketiah could also be given a shot although he is unlikely to start alongside Martinelli if Arteta sticks with his well-liked 4-2-3-1 formation.

Mohamed Elneny is expected to be drafted in at the base of midfield with Dani Ceballos next to him if the Spaniard’s tight calf is no longer a problem.

Gabriel has been out with coronavirus but the imposing Brazilian looks set to return at centre-back alongside fringe player Calum Chambers.

Chambers will be playing against his old club if he does feature just like Cedric who is expected to come in at right-back instead of Hector Bellerin.

However, with Gabriel, Ceballos and Martinelli all coming back from lay-offs, Arteta could be forced to make some last minute changes if they do not make it.

CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

Several players are still injury doubts meaning Arteta could make some last minute changes

Granit Xhaka will likely play if Ceballos can’t.

And Rob Holding would take Gabriel’s place if he is not ready to start the game.

If Martinelli has any setbacks in the build-up, Arteta would likely turn to Eddie Nketiah or Joe Willock given his recent willingness to give youngsters a chance for Arsenal.

⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

Mikel Arteta hints he has found Arsenal’s dressing room mole who leaked Dani Ceballos’ bust-up with David Luiz


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Marseille boss Villas-Boas slams Aston Villa for ‘pathetic, weak’ transfer bid for £20m-rated Morgan Sanson

Liverpool fan claims Jurgen Klopp is taking club ‘BACKWARDS’ and wants Allegri or Simeone as new manager