Noni Madueke is likely to start for Arsenal against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Gunners travel to the north-west to take on the Merseysiders in what is an early-season six-pointer in the Premier League title race.
Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of the clash through injury after sustaining a hamstring issue against Leeds on Saturday at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta is likely to call upon Madueke to fill in for Arsenal’s talisman against Arne Slot’s side.
Arsenal need to play Noni Madueke on the right instead of the left vs Liverpool
Arsenal signed Madueke for £52 million from Chelsea this summer, largely to provide cover and competition for Saka.
The Hale End graduate has been overplayed in recent seasons, and thus, the Gunners needed someone who could fill in for him when he needs a rest.
Now that he’s injured, the new recruit from Stamford Bridge should be the next man up on the right wing.
Madueke divided opinion with his performance against Leeds, although there is a consensus that he looked more comfortable off the right than he did off the left.
However, this isn’t the only reason the 23-year-old should start off the right at Anfield.
Former Arsenal player and now pundit Adrian Clarke is concerned about Madueke’s off-the-ball work going to the historic old ground, and believes this is more of a concern on the left-hand side due to the presence of Mohamed Salah, who cost Liverpool £34 million in 2017.
“It is a good question,” Clarke said on the Handbrake Off podcast when asked who should replace Saka against Arne Slot’s men.
“I’m playing Madueke on the right, although I’m a bit worried about his off-the-ball work, but I’d be more worried if he played him on the left because of Salah and the need to sort of work hard there.”
Clarke is right; Salah is Liverpool’s biggest threat, and whoever is deployed at left-back subsequently needs additional support from the winger.
While Madueke isn’t the least effective player off the ball, it’s not his biggest strength, and thus he should be kept away from the left-hand side.
Gabriel Martinelli should start on the left wing vs Liverpool
Gabriel Martinelli has struggled from an offensive standpoint recently.
However, the Brazilian’s defensive tenacity and awareness can never be doubted, and this makes him an appealing option for Arteta in big away games.
He will track back relentlessly and help cover either Myles Lewis-Skelly or Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, and thus, he should start against Liverpool.
The 24-year-old also has the pace to exploit the space behind the Reds’ right-back if the Gunners’ midfielders can release him.
It’s a no-brainer for Arteta.
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