Paul Merson has backed Nicolas Pepe to start for Arsenal and "get the job done" against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
The 26-year-old winger has not started for the Gunners since their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in mid-October and was linked with a move away from the club over the January transfer window.
football.london reported at the time that Pepe was frustrated with his current situation at Arsenal and that he would assess his options at the club.
However, Pepe remained at Arsenal and will be with the north Londoners until the end of the season at least, and he will be hoping he can force his way back into Mikel Arteta's plans between now and May.
As the Gunners prepare for a crucial clash with Brentford on Saturday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta could consider Pepe with Gabriel Martinelli suspended following his sending off against Wolves recently.
Now, Merson has backed Pepe to feature against the Bees and flourish when doing so.
In his predictions column for Sportskeeda, Merson wrote: "As for Arsenal's front three, I think Alexandre Lacazette will play with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe either side of him.
"Gabriel Martinelli getting sent off against Wolves is a massive blow for them, but I think they should be able to cope without him as they've got other options.
"Nicolas Pepe hasn't been great, but he is another player who can get the job done in a game or two if he's drafted into the team."
What has Arteta said on Pepe?
Speaking in December, Arteta confirmed that Pepe was unhappy with his situation at Arsenal.
The Gunners boss said: "A player that does not play, if he is happy, then we have a big problem. Nico has not been happy and he has been asking for more minutes. This is the attitude we want from our players."
How could Arsenal line up against Brentford?
Despite Martinelli being absent for Arsenal on Saturday, Arteta still has plenty of options when it comes to his attack.
Emile Smith Rowe looks perhaps the likeliest option to come in and replace Martinelli, in what would be a direct replacement for the Brazilian on the left-hand side.
Martin Odegaard would carry on in the middle of the pitch, while Bukayo Saka would be cutting in on his left foot from the right wing. Pepe could be used from the bench, though, should the Ivorian not be given the nod from the start.
