Luton pose a big threat to Arsenal this evening, they are dangerous because they have nothing to lose. They’re a prison lifer targeting a guard. Chances are low, but if they’re lucky, they could land a killer shank on our season.
We cannot allow that to happen.
The challenge for Arteta is absolutely clear: How can he push rotation to the max without derailing the momentum of the first team this season.
There are some easy wins for him.
Tomiyasu and Zinchenko. They are first-teamers, not back-ups. You’re not dropping any more than 3-5% with those two. Both need minutes, neither will let the team down.
Thomas Partey is where things get tricky. A monster player who has been underplayed this season, but his form limitations could be propped by the legs of Declan Rice or the experience of Jorginho. I’d favor Declan in this game because I think Jorginho is higher risk because of his age. But it’s also worth noting Jorginho has played only 1400 minutes compared to the 3300 of Declan.
I’d love to see Martin Odegaard given a rest in this game, but my fear is the only option Arteta would roll with is Fabio Vieira. A player who has a lot of final ball production but one who seriously lacks intensity, focus and an overall fit into our system. It’s high risk to rest your captain when the drop is 40%. Wouldn’t it be nice if Emile was in favor? Perfect game for his talents.
The front three is a little easier. Saka has to sit on the bench. But the forward line could be Martinelli (for fitness), Jesus for form, and Reiss Nelson who really hasn’t had many chances to prove value for money this season.
I’d love to see Gabriel or Saliba rested, but who steps in there? Kiwior at centre back hasn’t been a dice Arteta has rolled, nor have we fancied shifting Ben White into the middle (he needs a rest).
This is a huge challenge for Mikel, but it doesn’t get much better than Luton at home. It’s now or never. After this, there’s no chance to bench players because we’re going up against mid- to upper-table clubs.
Arteta seemed relaxed and calm in his pre-match presser. His message was clear – you have to do you job when called upon and you have to keep quiet if you don’t like it… because that’s the game.
One bit of injury news was that Jurrien Timber is ready but needs game minutes. He said he’s confident he’ll play before the end of the season. When the internet nerds were telling you he’d be seeing minutes by the end of February, and I said early to mid-April, who was closer to the truth? Me. Stop putting your faith in 14-year-olds unless they’re really good academy kids you are hopeful of.
Ok, if you’re in America, and you have an MLS Season Pass, Arsenal will be playing St. Louis CITY sc (U15) today. Quite the conundrum for me.
Our U15s take on the Gunners in the #GACup Round of 16
@ArsenalAcademy U15s
Wednesday, April 3
11AM CT
Watch live with #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/xJdjBctfn3— St. Louis CITY SC Academy (@STLCITYAcademy) April 2, 2024
Right, see you ON THE WHISTLE after the game if you’re signed up to our Patreon.