Ally McCoist says Mikel Arteta could do something at Arsenal that would truly stagger him

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are competing on all four fronts this season and remain in the hunt to win every trophy.

Safely through in the Champions League, the Gunners are also one game away from a League Cup final and sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

They are also into the next round of the FA Cup, meaning Mikel Arteta needs to make use of his entire squad in the coming weeks and months.

What was your first reaction when Mikel Arteta axed Mesut Ozil at Arsenal? What do you think about that decision now?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Still, with the Gunners winning every game in Europe so far, there is a chance for them to maintain a 100% record in their final game against FC Kairat.

However, former Scotland striker Ally McCoist has suggested we could see something completely different this time.

Ally McCoist admits why Mikel Arteta could shock him in Europe

A final game against one of the whipping boys of the group is exactly what Arteta and his team needs now.

Sure, he will want to win but even Arsenal’s third string should be enough to see off the minnows.

Nevertheless, McCoist is still intrigued.

Speaking on TNT Sports, McCoist was discussing the upcoming Champions League clash with Kairat, with both sides’ fate already sealed.

Indeed, speaking on the fixture, McCoist admitted that he’d be stunned if Mikel Arteta goes all guns blazing.

“Do you know something, there’ll be a strong element of wanting to win eight out of eight. But, that being said, the whole objective of it is to finish in the top eight to give yourself a little break so they’ve earned three games off really,” McCoist began.

“So, I would be staggered if he doesn’t play a certainly less, or weakened side in the final game because they’ve earned their stripes in qualification definitely.”

• READ MORE: ‘Exceptional’ player told he could have become even better than Steven Gerrard if he never left Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has to rest the big players in Europe

Ultimately, Arsenal’s work in Europe for this phase is done.

It was important to put in a performance and get a big result in Milan to lay down another marker but now, the pressure is completely off.

This is a great chance for Arteta to use those players who need minutes, confidence, and a feel for the game if they’re working back from injury.

If Arteta does go with his big names in this one, then it might send a message of just how serious he is about Europe.

But in reality, most Arsenal fans would be fuming to see the likes of Saliba, Gabriel and Odegaard play, so all eyes will firmly be on what that selection call is.