You wouldn’t think many Manchester United players, if any, would be starting for Arsenal right now given the gap between the two clubs.
But Gabby Agbonlahor feels that there is one ‘definite’ starter, and possibly even two, ahead of Arsenal’s north London showdown against Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat Tottenham at their home ground last season, then proceeded to finish 23 points ahead of their rivals and a further 29 points ahead of Manchester United.
Many are expecting the same to happen again over the course of the Premier League season, but this weekend’s fixture between the two London clubs could be an interesting one.
Arsenal are set to have two key players missing for the game. Declan Rice is suspended after his red card against Brighton and Martin Odegaard is injured after twisting his ankle on national duty with Norway.
If those players were available, just like last season, then you would put the Gunners as favourites and back them to win.
But now things are a lot more even, it wouldn’t be a surprise if many more people are backing Ange Postecoglou’s all-action Tottenham side to secure the points.
All eyes will be on the starting XI, especially how Arteta shuffles his pack and who he plays in the middle of the park given his limited options.
Agbonlahor was criticising Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag when he was asked if new signing Manuel Ugarte and young gun Rasmus Hojlund would make the Arsenal squad.
The former Premier League striker was even certain that Hojlund would start for the London club against Spurs, with Kai Havertz dropping deeper, as he told talkSPORT (12/09/24 at 7:15 am).
Would Rasmus Hojlund start for Arsenal?
“I can’t have the excuses anymore, he has brought his own players in,” said Agbonlahor on ten Hag.
“I think they (Hojlund and Ugarte) would (get into the Arsenal team). I think Hojlund would start. Definitely. Against Spurs for Arsenal, especially with Arsenal’s injury problems, at the moment.
“Bring Havertz back one. Hojlund up front. I think he would.”
Premier League returns
This is where the pressure heats up because Premier League, European and domestic football will hit the screens in the next month.
Arsenal are in Champions League action next week and have the small matter of playing Europa League champions Atalanta away from home.
READ MORE: Date planned for Mikel Arteta contract extension as Arsenal ward off Manchester City
Whilst Spurs and Manchester United will be bidding to win the Europa League – both have been handed tasty draws, including a showdown against Rangers.
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