Kevin Campbell thinks Emile Smith Rowe and Rob Holding could start for Arsenal in their third-round FA Cup showdown against League One Oxford United on Monday night, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The Arsenal legend thinks Mikel Arteta will ‘shuffle the pack’ and someone like Smith Rowe will get his ‘first run out for a long time’.
The Hale-End star has only featured four times for the Premier League leaders this season – his last appearance came back in September, with a groin injury keeping him out since then.
But the 22-year-old is back on the training field and hoping to jump on this possibly season-defining campaign for the north London club.
With players like Gabriel Jesus out with injury, more added quality in the final third is needed and Smith Rowe will provide that.
Either way, on top of Smith Rowe, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the likes of Holding also earn starts, as Campbell touched upon.
“I think Mikel Arteta is going to shuffle the pack,” said Campbell. “You do have a squad, it’s time to get some players some minutes and game time.
“There is Emile Smith Rowe, who is probably going to get his first run out for a long time. Your Rob Holding’s and all that of this world are going to come in and do a job. Arsenal should have too much.
“But, one thing we do know, this FA Cup hasn’t blessed Arsenal during these last few years. Southampton knocked them out and Forest knocked them out last season. It’s not a given.”
SMITH ROWE RETURN VITAL
Injuries also disrupted Smith Rowe last season, and he will be hoping that is now the end of him having to visit the treatment room.
When the versatile playmaker was on the top of his game, he was repping the colours of his country and donning the England jersey.
There’s no doubt that he can get back to those ways because his return is vital in Arteta’s quest to, not only win another FA Cup but possibly become champions of England again.
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