Mikel Arteta has been told to play Nuno Tavares for Arsenal on Saturday in the belief that Liverpool won’t know much about him.
Arsenal have a massive trip to Anfield this weekend.
The Gunners haven’t lost a game in any competition since August but Liverpool have been exceptional this season, a defeat by West Ham last time around notwithstanding.
Tavares has proven himself a fine and electric deputy for regular left-back Kieran Tierney in recent weeks.
But with the former Celtic defender fit to face Jurgen Klopp’s side, Arteta is expected to squeeze the Scot back into his first XI.
However, former Arsenal hitman Kevin Campbell believes that Tavares is a better option based on current form, suggesting he’s something of a secret weapon.
HHe told Curtis Shaw TV: “If I’m honest, I wouldn’t change it. Nuno has got the physicality and the speed.
“Defensively he’s maybe not as accomplished as Tierney, but these days have been racking up clean sheets. Play him! You know what, he’ll be a threat going the other way and they don’t really know much about him.”
Revelation
Nuno has indeed proven something of a revelation since Tierney’s been out.
Remember, Arsenal spent only £7 million on the former Benfica left-back this past summer but so far, he looks the business.
Okay so he’s only started three Premier League games, hence Campbell’s suggestion that Liverpool won’t know what to expect from him.
But those three appearances have been sensational and it does look like Arteta has a gem here.
It’s a brave move to drop Tierney, who’s made that left-back role his own over the past two seasons but, based on form, it’s hard to leave the Portuguese machine out.
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