Kevin Campbell thinks Fabio Vieira ‘won’t start’ for Arsenal ahead of their Premier League title showdown against Manchester City on Wednesday night at the Etihad.
The Arsenal legend thinks, even if Granit Xhaka isn’t fit to play, then Leandro Trossard might be the one to come in for Fabio Vieira.
The £34 million summer signing from Porto (Sky Sports) started for Mikel Arteta’s side on Friday night against Southampton, as the Gunners dropped more points in their Premier League title charge.
The 22-year-old has found life tough since moving to England, scoring just one goal and supplying two assists in the Premier League this season.
It’s understandable given that it’s his first season in perhaps the toughest league in the world, but ahead of Arsenal’s biggest game of the season, Campbell suggested what Arteta might do without Xhaka, as he told the Highbury Squad.
“If Xhaka’s not back, then I think the extra nouse of Trossard that could be a difference-maker,” said Campbell.
“So, there might have to be a little tinkering with Partey and Zinchenko because he has to play more as a midfielder. If Trossard is going to play, then we have to get him further up the pitch.
“I don’t think Vieira plays, no. He won’t start.”
VIEIRA NOT READY
Yes, he is playing for a team cooking at the top of the league, but even playing in strong and healthy environments doesn’t guarantee a player to produce the goods.
Given the beast Arsenal are set to come up against, if Xhaka can’t make it, then Vieira can’t start because he wouldn’t be able to deal with the intensity of the game.
In truth, ever since Gabriel Jesus’ return from injury, Trossard has returned to the bench and it’s high time Arteta brought him back into the fold.
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