Arsenal are set to face Sheffield United today, and given that the visitors are suffering an injury crisis, this could be the perfect opportunity for Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad.
The Gunners secured a tough-fought victory on the road against Sevilla in the Champions League, and have trips to West Ham and Newcastle next week.
There are a number of players keen for more game time within the Arsenal squad who may now see this as a perfect opportunity for a rare start.
Sheffield United’s injury crisis
Sheffield United are yet to win in the Premier League this season, and currently have nine first-team players missing.
Chris Basham, Anel Ahmedozic, George Baldock, Will Osula, Oli McBurnie, Rhys Norrington-Davies, John Egan, Tom Davies, Max Lowe and Daniel Jebbison could all be absent for the visitors as per Sky Sports News.
Whilst Arsenal should not be too complacent, Arteta may see this as a game where he can afford to rest a few players, whilst also giving some of his backups some minutes, and also securing three points.
What changes should Arteta make against Sheffield United?
Although Takehiro Tomiyasu was one of Arsenal’s best players against Sevilla, and deserves to keep his place in the team, this is a game where Oleksandr Zinchenko would be more suitable at left-back, with the visitors likely to sit back and Arsenal likely to dominate the ball.
However, Tomiyasu could start in place of William Saliba. Saliba is a crucial player for Arsenal, but recently struggled with injury, and with a tough trip to Newcastle next week, it is vital that he is fully fit.
In midfield, Rice can drop back to a deeper position to allow a more attacking option in Emile Smith Rowe a much-needed start, with Jorginho dropping to the bench.
Martin Odegaard has received criticism for his performances recently, and given that he has played a lot of games for club and country this season, a rest could benefit him and this could be a chance for Fabio Vieira to start in his position.
Arsenal could go with their two best wingers in Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, although Reiss Nelson will be hoping for a chance off the bench.
Upfront, Gabriel Jesus is out injured, and whilst it may be likely that Eddie Nketiah comes in, this could be the best opportunity for Kai Havertz to grab a first open-play goal for the club.
The four changes are therefore Zinchenko replacing Saliba, Smith Rowe replacing Jorginho, Vieira replacing Odegaard and Havertz replacing Jesus.
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