Arsenal take on Liverpool in one of the biggest games of the season at Anfield.
The Gunners are currently on top of the Premier League table, having won both their games, scoring six and conceding none so far.
Liverpool have won their first two fixtures as well and have even outscored Arsenal by one goal, but they have conceded four times already.
The clash at Anfield will be a big one, and Gary Neville has revealed what he would do if he were calling the shots at Arsenal on Sunday.
Gary Neville makes Mikel Merino claim ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal, but he’s so wrong
Arsenal have two major uncertainties going into the game against Liverpool.
The Gunners have had a great summer and a brilliant start to the season, but they were dealt huge blows against Leeds United.
Bukayo Saka hobbled off the pitch with what looked like a hamstring injury, while Martin Odegaard suffered a shoulder problem after landing awkwardly.
Both players are doubts for that game.
Noni Madueke is expected to start on the right wing if Saka is ruled out, but in midfield, Gary Neville has claimed that he would go with Mikel Merino.
“I think he’ll bring Merino in,” Neville said. “I think what he’ll do is he’ll make it a lot stronger, a lot more physical.
“That’s what I would do, and I think that’s what Mikel Arteta will do; he’ll go with one of his more powerful players in there.”
That, in our opinion, would be a terrible decision.
Arsenal have enough defensive quality in the middle of the park thanks to Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Both of them are incredible on and off the ball.
The Gunners’ main issue has been their creativity, so replacing Odegaard with Merino, who can be ‘unbelievable’ on his day, would make them even less creative.
That will hurt their attacking play against Liverpool, which is why we think Arteta will not go with Merino.
Mikel Merino looking on during a game between Arsenal and Real Madrid
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Mikel Merino has a mixed record against Liverpool
Merino has been one of Arsenal’s more productive players against Liverpool.
The Gunners have had their struggles against the Reds over the years, but the Spaniard has scored two goals in four starts against them.
However, Arsenal have failed to win any of those four games against Liverpool, and we think they may struggle again if Arteta goes with Merino in the middle of his park.
New signing Eberechi Eze would be the more sensible option if he is ready, as would Ethan Nwaneri, who deserves a chance in a big game like the one on Sunday.
It will be interesting to see who Arteta will go for, but we are convinced that Neville’s suggestion is not the right one.