Don’t be surprised if Arsenal forward is benched for Swansea visit
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Arsenal are currently enjoying a run of five consecutive wins in the Premier League, and much of that success has been down to manager Arsene Wenger’s decision to play Alexis Sanchez through the middle.
But after a week of international duty with Chile, and a midweek Champions League tie to consider, there’s every chance the striker may be rested for Saturday’s game against Swansea.
That means another Arsenal forward will be chomping at the bit to break into the starting line-up, and he’s not a bad replacement either.
Lucas Perez
At last, it seems, Wenger has a much-welcomed selection dilemma.
New signing Lucas Perez is probably the man most Gunners fans would want to see replace Sanchez, should the Chilean be rested.
Similar in build to Wenger’s preferred striker, Perez is yet to set the league alight, although that’s not his fault given that first-team appearances have been hard to come by, playing just 64 minutes of top-flight football.
However, he did grab a brace in the EFL Cup away at Nottingham Forest, and supporters will be eager to see their new man in action again this weekend.
With Olivier Giroud apparently still suffering from a toe injury, it appears the path is clear for Perez to fill Sanchez’s boots.
So will he make just his second league start for Arsenal against Swansea? With no international action to speak of, Perez will certainly be fit and ready if called upon.
The Gunners will be looking to inflict revenge on a side that came from a goal down at the Emirates last campaign to grab all three points in a 2-1 win, ending Wenger’s hopes of winning the Premier League for the fourth time.
And given that they’ve now gone four games in all competitions without conceding a goal, there could be some value in the 11/10 on offer for Arsenal to win to nil.
What do Gooners think? Should Perez be handed a start or does Wenger risk fielding a potentially physically-drained Sanchez? Let us know in the comments section below!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
