It's more that Martinelli looks about as physically out of his depth as any player we have. He just can't compete, he's outmuscled and out-run constantly. Balogun is not as far in his development generally, but he definitely competes better all ready

Is odegaard available for this ?

I would like to see Pepe up front. I am not sure about who should start on the left though.

I was willing the White signing and I don't think Holding has a high ceiling like White. However, I still don't get the disdain with which Holding is referred to, after last season that too.

Martinelli is piss poor and struggle to get into the game because he hasn't been played at CF since Emery left. Don't think he suit LW at all currently

For all his limitations, I have more confidence in our defence when Holding is playing ahead of any other pairing without him we have fielded over the last 2 seasons.

Neither Martinelli or Balogun should start. Pepe upfront if need be.

Rohit wrote:

I would like to see Pepe up front. I am not sure about who should start on the left though.

I was willing the White signing and I don't think Holding has a high ceiling like White. However, I still don't get the disdain with which Holding is referred to, after last season that too.

He’s pretty much the same age too.

People compare White to Rio. But Rio had something like 6 seasons of PL football with 200 odd PL appearances at the same age as White.

Captain wrote:

Martinelli had been piss poor for a long time now. There's not much between him and Balogun at all.

He really has been terrible since the injury.

May be Arteta gives Nelson a go, although I doubt he would. So much hope for the kid but simply hasn't shown enough fight on the pitch.

Any chance we'll simply play Auba? He was training with the team yesterday.

Ricky1985 wrote:

Captain wrote:

Martinelli had been piss poor for a long time now. There's not much between him and Balogun at all.

He really has been terrible since the injury.

One of the reasons i reckon we really need to send him out on loan this summer. Personally I wouldn't even be against including him as part of deal if it helped us get a more ready striking option such as Vlahovic.

Qwiss! wrote:

Irish gunner wrote:

Is odegaard available for this ?

No, work permit hasn't come through yet.

Cheers qwiss - shame about that

Ricky1985 wrote:

goon wrote:

I’m actually psyched for this, going to be so good watching a big game at the Emirates with a full house. Hopefully the team put a performance to match the occasion.

Reckon we’ll see:

Pepe - ESR - Saka

Martinelli

Which is an exciting front 4 too.

I hope the fans are up for ot and not bogged down by the neagitivity around the club right now.

Martinelli up front does not fill me with joy. I'd go Balogun, for sure.

I'd go with Balogun, too.

I know Martinelli is a fan favourite for some reason, but he's rarely done it for me. Weak touch and dribbling.

Good, hungry attitude and has tremendous physical potential, but he has it all to prove fitness wise as well.

Clrnc wrote:

Martinelli is piss poor and struggle to get into the game because he hasn't been played at CF since Emery left. Don't think he suit LW at all currently

agree, he's a pass and move striker, and has sharp movement and finishing. we don't deploy wingers the way liverpool do, so martinelli looks wasted out there for us. id give him the minutes at striker ahead of balogun atm

Ornstien has reported White is ruled out of tonight's game with an illness.

Very likely another covid positive case.

I don't think it's a good idea to throw Auba in there, it's not like he's in blistering form that can carry him through. Get him to 100% imo.

Auba or Laca are our only decent goal threats. Kids are promising but they are not ready yet and Pepe is like rolling the dice but knowing that only one of its sides will make you win

Qwiss! wrote:

Quincy Abeyie wrote:

Any chance we'll simply play Auba? He was training with the team yesterday.

Just seen that too. Could very well start if thats the case.

Would like him on for 30 minute spell or based on how the first half goes. Assuming minor health and sharpness setbacks still there.

We played him while he was recovering from malaria last season, so I don't see why a comparatively minor thing like covid would stop us as long as the test is negative.

Did Auba even train. Why are we even playing this with a covid outbreak in the team.

Arteta clearly felt the game last week should have been postponed.

Quite surprising we didn't bother to ask for postponement. We just informed and waited for them to make a decision.

Well I assume that's the protocol. Clubs can't make these decisions I'm sure.

In his press-conference, it sounded to me like Arteta not only asked but was annoyed that it wasn't postponed, but didn't want to directly say it.

That's my read as well.

we got this sorted

That stat going round feels like a curse. Bound to lose now.

Front 4 as I predicted with Martinelli up top. Rest of the team pretty much as expected except it's Cedric's turn to have a go at right back.

would've preferred chambers to cedric, apart from that it's probably the best line-up we could muster all things considered

I'm ashamed Cedric starts for my favorite team.

seriously fuck this covid thing

Kolasinac is in the squad