Arsenal take on Manchester United in what is a big game for both sides.
The Gunners are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and they will want to maintain that gap, if not extend it.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will want to repeat the upset they caused by beating Manchester City in their last league game.
All eyes will be on Mikel Arteta to see which striker he will start up front – Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Jesus.
Alan Shearer has offered some advice to the Arsenal boss.
What changes would you make to our combined XI?
Alan Shearer says Gabriel Jesus should start over Viktor Gyokeres in Arsenal vs Manchester United
Gyokeres has been Arsenal’s main striker for most of this season.
The Swede, who has been hailed as ‘incredible‘ by Arteta, was one of the Gunners’ biggest signings in the summer, and he was viewed by many as the missing piece.
Gyokeres has done well, but the fact that he isn’t scoring anywhere near the number of goals that he did at Sporting has led to a lot of criticism.
To make things worse for him, Jesus, who started against Inter Milan in the Champions League midweek, scored a brace and was fantastic at the San Siro.
Having watched the Brazilian’s display live, Shearer has claimed that Gyokeres should be dropped for Jesus when Arsenal take on Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
He said on Amazon Prime Video Sport UK “Well, the simple answer is yes. When you score two goals and your club have desperately needed that in a tough environment.
“He’s come up with two really, really clever finishes, and the answer is absolutely yes (that Jesus should start over Gyokeres).
“It’s what you’re brought in to do – to make a difference, to score goals, and he’s done that.”
Fill in the blank: _______________ should start up front vs Man United…
Should Gabriel Jesus start for Arsenal against Manchester United?
Jesus scored a brace against Inter Milan, but Gyokeres came off the bench and scored a stunner himself.
That has caused a headache for Arteta ahead of the game against Manchester United, but we agree with Shearer in this debate.
Michael Carrick’s side dealt with Erling Haaland fairly comfortably in the Manchester derby, and their defenders will have a similar plan for Gyokeres if he starts.
Jesus is a lot more unpredictable, and his movement in and around the box could cause all sorts of problems for United’s defenders, who are just not that good.
Furthermore, Gyokeres’ physicality and aggressive running against tired legs in the second half could become a secret weapon for Arsenal.
For those reasons, we think Jesus should get the nod against Manchester United on Sunday.
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