Journalist Charles Watts believes that January signing Leandro Trossard could make his first league start for Arsenal this weekend.
What’s the word?
Mikel Arteta could make a few changes ahead of a week in which his table-topping Arsenal side face Brentford, Manchester City and Aston Villa, and the Belgium international could be handed a maiden Premier League start in Gunners colours.
He could replace Gabriel Martinelli, whose form has dipped in recent games, perhaps due to fatigue.
Will Leandro Trossard be a hit at Arsenal?
Yes
No
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts spoke about this potential change being made, with Martinelli able to have a rest ahead of the crunch tie against Man City should Trossard take his place on Saturday.
He said: “Personally, I think this is a game that we might well see Leandro Trossard.
“I think Arsenal brought Trossard in to be able to rest the likes of Martinelli or Saka if needs be.
“Just in the last few games, it feels like Gabi might need a little bit of a breather, have him on the bench, bring him on as an impact substitute in the second half. Even make sure that he’s well-rested in time to bring him back into the starting XI against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
“It just feels like Trossard has been very bright every single time he’s played so far for Arsenal, it just feels like this could be a good opportunity for him to get his first Premier League start.
“I thought he was good when he came on against Everton – not brilliant by any means – but it was a very tricky situation to come on in given the way that game was going, but I still thought he looked pretty bright in there; he might be able to make something happen. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Trossard.”
Time to rotate
Arsenal’s defeat to Everton could be a wake-up call that despite their excellent form this season, slip-ups can happen, and rotation now may be wise given the City game on the horizon.
The club have worked to increase the quality of the depth available at the club, with the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Fabio Vieira, Jorginho and now Trossard on the bench, and this match against Brentford may be a good chance for a few rotations to keep the squad fresh.
We think Trossard deserves to start based on his bright cameos off the bench so far, and if he can make an impact, he could yet be in line to keep his place against City.
