Arsenal expert Charles Watts believes we could perhaps see quite a big call by Mikel Arteta in his team selection against Manchester United this weekend.
Writing in the latest edition of his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Watts discussed the form of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back in pre-season.
It seems Watts feels Calafiori may have just edged it in terms of his performance levels in recent matches, with the Italy international perhaps set to get a surprise start away to Man Utd.
Lewis-Skelly looked like he’d made that starting spot his own after a superb breakthrough season last term, but some occasional dips in form were perhaps always inevitable.
The 18-year-old is clearly a huge talent with a big future, but Calafiori has also shown his quality and could have a key role to play if he manages to avoid the injury problems that disrupted his season last term.
Riccardo Calafiori or Myles Lewis-Skelly against Manchester United?
Discussing Arteta’s possible line up for this weekend, Watts said: “I think who starts at full-back this weekend will be interesting for Arsenal. There is a real competition in those positions.
“When he’s been on the pitch Riccardo Calafiori has looked very good. I really enjoyed his performance last weekend and if he’s deemed fully fit I think he might get the nod at left-back over Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“It’s a tough call, but Lewis-Skelly hasn’t looked at his best yet this summer, so I would not be surprised if Arteta goes with the Italian to try and negate the threat of Bryan Mbeumo and also cause problems up the other end.”
Can Arsenal start with a win away to United?
Arsenal were much better than United last season, finishing in 2nd place while the Red Devils slumped all the way down to 15th.
However, Ruben Amorim has now had more time to implement his own ideas and make new signings, so MUFC will surely improve this term.
Old Trafford hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for Arsenal down the years, so it’s probably not the start most of their fans would’ve wished for.
3-0 to the Arsenal.
dream on man!
Better Arteta start with this lineup then we’ll have a chance;
Raya
White Saliba Gabriel Timber
Odegaard Zubimendi Rice
Saka Gyokeres Martinelli
Timber at LB is BIG FAT NO. Everyone should play in their natural position. Skelly or Calafiori at LB. Timber or White at RB.
really don’t want to see Martinelli think Noni edges it with performances pre season v Martinelli with just 30% of game time
I agree,a madueke start might just surprise United, and if that doesn’t work out,can always bring on Martinelli.maybe he needs a little wakeup,been poor for a long time now!
Agree that’s a good team, let’s hope whoever is selected all play well As a team and set up the season opener with a win
supported bro am in with u on this !!!
I truly think united have bought really well with seko and ombo up front were in eal danger in this one I’ve got united in my top 4 this season, big jump i know but unless Victor starts with a flyer I can see us coming away with nothing here. by the way what is it about us getting terribly hard starts of late to the season. were going to need to be on.it from the off here ombo lives scoring against us. I thought we should have added him along side Victor. hope we’re ready for an old fashioned battle, just like old times and let’s hope that no:14 shirt is just as good as back then
it’s a tight one because we are away but we have to make a statement with an away win especially if Liverpool win on Friday. With Gyokeres and Havertz both firing. We should have enough to win this.
The word ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ does not exist in football dictionary. Arsenal squad are still better than manchester united squad both last season and this coming one. Ars win is 60%, Man- u win is 20% and draw is 20%.