Paul Merson has backed Nicolas Pepe to ‘get the job done’ for Arsenal if he is drafted in against Brentford on Saturday, as he told Sportskeeda.
The 26-year-old hasn’t started a Premier League game for Arsenal since October, but this all-London affair might be his best chance for some minutes.
Gabriel Martinelli was sent off the last time Arsenal were in action when they beat Wolves 1-0.
That’s one less attack-minded player Mikel Arteta can pick from at the weekend, so could this be the game Pepe returns to the starting XI? And perhaps to some form?
Merson shared how he thinks the Gunners will line-up at the Emirates, as he also shared his thoughts on Pepe.
“I think Arsenal will win this one 3-0,” said Merson. “That said, this is a big game, as if they can win this one and go and beat Wolves, they’ve got a massive chance of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
“Brentford got a good result against Crystal Palace and did well to keep a clean sheet, but I don’t expect them to get anything out of this game.
“As for Arsenal’s front three, I think Alexandre Lacazette will play with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe either side of him. Gabriel Martinelli getting sent off against Wolves is a massive blow for them.
“But I think they should be able to cope without him as they’ve got other options. Nicolas Pepe hasn’t been great, but he is another player who can get the job done in a game or two if he’s drafted into the team.”
There is something about club-record transfers not working out in north London because both Tottenham and Arsenal have the same issue.
Tanguy Ndombele is Tottenham’s club-record transfer, but since his £54 million move from Lyon in 2019 (BBC Sport), the ball-carrying midfielder was sent back on loan to the French club after years of struggle in England.
Whilst Spurs brought Ndombele to the club from Lyon, it was from Lille where Arsenal paid £72 million (Sky Sports) for Pepe’s talents.
And whilst the Ivory Coast star is still donning the club’s colours, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he heads for the exit door in the summer.
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