Arsenal go into their game against Liverpool with some doubts over both 20-year-old Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta said at his press conference yesterday that the Arsenal pair would both be assessed before Saturday’s game, but the Gunners surely won’t want to take any risks with either of the youngster.
As a result, it would not be a shock if Nicolas Pepe comes in to be given a start down the right.
Pepe looked sharp after coming on against West Ham United in Arsenal’s last match, with Paul Merson calling him ‘phenomenal’, and he has actually had a fairly productive season.
The Ivorian has shown far greater consistency of late, and can consider himself unfortunate not to have had more starting chances.
If he is given a role against Liverpool, it could really be his chance to stamp his authority on the side, though.
Elsewhere, Martin Odegaard will surely start in his central playmaking role, despite playing three times for Norway over the international break.
Calum Chambers may also have done enough in Arsenal’s last game to retain his place at right-back ahead of both Cedric and Hector Bellerin.
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