Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team selection for this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Leicester City has got fans talking.
The Gunners go into the game on the back of a dramatic 3-2 win over Benfica on Thursday evening as they came from behind to keep their Europa League dreams alive.
And as Arsenal‘s domestic form pales in comparison, winning the Europa League is their best chance of sealing a return to the Champions League for the 2021/22 campaign.
Following last weekend’s 1-0 loss at the hands of Manchester City, it’s now just one win in five Premier League games which means Arteta‘s side sit 11th in the table with 34 points from 25 games.
And with this game coming just three days after playing in Athens, Arteta has made several changes to the side which started against Benfica.
Six to be exact.
As hinted on Friday, Bukayo Saka is rested, while captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hector Bellerin, Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard are among those who drop to the bench.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares and Willian are given a chance to impress at the King Power Stadium.
Arsenal XI: Leno; Cedric, David Luiz, Pablo Mari, Tierney; Elneny, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe; Willian, Lacazette
Most of the reaction from Arsenal supporters on social media has centered around the inclusion of Willian instead of Gabriel Martinelli.
Take a look at some of the best responses on Twitter…
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@afcKZ_said: “Wasting Martinelli’s development for Willian who’s no better nice.”
@afctemp said: “Martinelli is there man start him.”
@PaddyArsenal said: “Play Martinelli!’