Arsenal can field new signing in time for Man United clash as Kai Havertz is tipped for new role
Mikel Arteta has a couple of big decisions to make with regard to Arsenal's starting line-up for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United.
It's safe to say the Spanish tactician has been experimenting at the start of the new season. Facing Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham — teams whom the Gunners are expected to dominate in terms of possession — in the opening three games has resulted in Gabriel Magalhaes being the surprise omission.
However, it's understood that the reason the Brazilian is yet to start a Premier League game for Arsenal this season is tactical rather than as a result of speculation surrounding his future amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, and therefore he should be available for selection this weekend.
Considering the threat Man United pose, particularly in transition, Arteta can hand Gabriel a recall as one of two changes in defence with Oleksandr Zinchenko replacing Jakub Kiwior at left-back. This is along the lines of what Gary Neville is expecting from the Gunners and he's gone a step further by suggesting an alteration in the engine room.
«Sometimes you need to go back to basics. I'd expect next week Mikel Arteta is going to end that experiment and go with a solid back four,» the Sky Sports pundit said on his podcast. «Move Partey into midfield with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Get back to something which resembles what a team should look like.
»Balance in a team is very important. Innovation is fantastic but sometimes something that started as a good idea evolves into something which doesn't work. I feel there is that with Arsenal. They'll go back to the basics of 4-3-3. Manchester United are decent on the counter-attack but it is a big test for them."
Mikel Arteta
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