Speaking on the Sky Sports Football Podcast, Alan Smith has tipped Ben White to return to the starting XI for Arsenal against Tottenham.
The defender has been out of action for a little while with an injury, but in his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that White is back in training and feeling better. However, he still remains a doubt for this game.
Smith was speaking about some of the leaders in the Gunners’ squad, and he touched on White, stating that he believes he’ll start against Spurs.
What’s been said?
Smith spoke about White starting against Spurs.
“They’re very much lacking experience, but whether or not experience plays a part at Tottenham is another matter. They have some great characters in there, there’s no question about that. Players that are natural leaders, Gabriel and Ben White – who I would expect to start, Martin Odegaard is a future captain as well,” Smith said.
Risk
White is, quite clearly, one of Arsenal’s best defenders, but starting him against Spurs would undoubtedly be a risk.
Think about it, even if his injury issues have subsided slightly, he won’t be fully match fit after such a sustained period out, and you can’t be at any less than 100 per cent if you’re coming up against Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.
Rob Holding has done a stellar job at the back for the Gunners in recent weeks, and he’s more than earned the right to start in this match.
Perhaps Arteta would be wiser to keep White on the bench for this match.
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