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Dani Ceballos dropped, Alexandre Lacazette returns - Arsenal predicted team vs Sheffield United


Dani Ceballos has failed to impress since football's post-lockdown return

Making just his eighth Premier League start against Southampton, Emi Martinez produced a fine goalkeeping display to prove to Mikel Arteta that he is taking this opportunity seriously.

The 27-year-old didn't have much to do over the course of the game but when he was called into action late on, his concentration levels were vital. His saves from Shane Long and claims from crosses kept Arsenal a goal up before Joe Willock's goal in the dying minutes.

Considering Kieran Tierney was forced off with cramp against Southampton, using a three-man defence may stretch the squad, and him, too far. As a result, resting him for Norwich and bringing Sead Kolasinac to play left-back in a back four may be best.

Although Cedric Soares is fighting to be in contention, using him at the Emirates against Norwich would seem to be a smoother introduction rather than against Sheffield United. Hector Bellerin will keep his place, as will Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding, who has performed exceptionally since returning to the starting lineup.

Switching to a back four should see Arteta use the 4-3-3 system again. With Granit Xhaka available again, he is a must to start at the base of midfield to help control proceedings but also serve as the man to launch Arsenal into the final third with his passing.

Bukayo Saka played exceptionally well as the left-sided central midfielder at Brighton which should see him feature there again but after three mediocre displays, Dani Ceballos should make way. With Arteta admitting "he's changed a lot of things, a lot of positive things," and giving him chances to play in midfield from the bench, now is the time to give Ainsley Maitland-Niles his chance to prove himself.

Further up the pitch, especially after the shift Eddie Nketiah put in at Southampton, rotation will be needed. This should see Alexandre Lacazette come back into the side to try and strike up partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang which looked encouraging at Brighton.

On the right, Nicolas Pepe could do with a rest and take Reiss Nelson's place on the bench. Nelson hasn't started since the return of football but the FA Cup was where Arteta gave him his chances to shine pre-lockdown, and he could do the same now with such a packed schedule.

 Predicted Arsenal XI: Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Saka; Nelson, Lacazette, Aubameyang

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