Kevin Campbell has said on Highbury Squad that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should include Thomas Partey in the starting lineup against Brentford at the expense of Albert Sambi Lokonga if he is fit.
The Sky Sports pundit believes that if Partey is fit for Arsenal, then the Ghana international defensive midfielder should replace Lokonga in the Gunners’ starting lineup against Brentford in the London derby this coming weekend.
The £17.2 million (BBC Sport) former Anderlecht midfielder started for Arsenal against Zurich in the UEFA Europa League last week.
Partey has been out for a while due to an injury, but there are reports that the former Atletico Madrid midfielder is now back in full training and could be fit for the Premier League match against Brentford.
And former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell wants Partey to start instead of Lokonga.
Arsenal urged to include Thomas Partey and not Albert Sambi Lokonga v Brentford
Campbell said on Highbury Squad, as transcribed by TheBootRoom: “Well, the most (likely to benefit) is Thomas Partey as it gives him the chance to shrug that tight thigh off.
“Who benefits the least? I suppose it’s Sambi Lokonga, who’s been playing, who’s been starting and has done all right as far as I’m concerned.
“But if Thomas Partey’s fit and you should expect him to be right for Brentford, he’s got to come straight back in.”
What should Mikel Arteta do?
In our view, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should include Albert Sambi Lokonga in the starting lineup against Brentford even if Thomas Partey is fully fit.
Yes, Partey is a better and more experienced midfielder than Lokonga, but he will have only just recovered for Sunday’s match.
Lokonga has done well for Arsenal when he has played, and we think that Arteta should start him.
The Arsenal manager could always bring Partey on as a substitute if Lokonga does not do well.
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