Leeds United will be looking to take advantage of Arsenal’s long European away day on Thursday when the Gunners travel to Elland Road this weekend. Arsenal make the trip to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt looking to continue their 100% start in the Europa League.
Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed a superb start to the campaign as they also sit top of the Premier League having won eight of their opening nine matches. But with the World Cup set to bring the season to a halt next month, their fixture list is looking as congested as ever.
As such, Arteta will certainly have to make use of his squad in the coming weeks to ensure they all remain fresh. However, in an interview with Fair Betting Sites, Danny Murphy revealed that he is unsure if Arsenal have the squad to cope with constant Thursday-Sunday matches, which will Leeds will be looking to capitalise on this weekend.
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He said: “There have been so many good performances from Arsenal players this season that so many of them are starting to look really important. If you look at Saliba at the back, who’s been sensational, and the two young wide lads Martinelli and Saka.
“Even Partey and Xhaka in the middle of the park are playing at the top of their game. So, it would be strength in depth in those areas really, I suppose. Jesus is another one, where you’d say if they lost him, could Nketiah come in and lead the line as well as he does, and have that physical presence and that knowhow?
“I don’t think it’s necessarily one position. Maybe a couple more reinforcements in January of real experience and quality. The problem, of course, is that you could upset the harmony in the squad by doing that and finding the quality of player that isn’t going to be expected to play every game.
“Rotation’s going to be key for Arsenal and they’ve got the European campaign and cup competitions. My feeling is that Man City can rest three or four, maybe even five or six, and still roll over teams.”
Arsenal face Bodo/Glimt in a 5.45pm kick-off on Thursday evening before their Sunday 2pm trip to Elland Road.
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