I have just been reading a preview of the Arsenal home clash with Southampton in the Premier League tomorrow evening and the Talksport report suggests that this game could give Arsene Wenger the perfect opportunity to give a rest to the Chile international striker Alexis Sanchez, but I must say that I disagree.
Not with the general premise that he could do with a rest after looking a bit jaded in the last few games since coming back from his long haul travels during the international break, although Alexis does strike me as super fit and one of those players like Messi and Ronaldo that is happy to play all the time.
I just think that this game is not the right one in which to drop such a key player. The Saints may be coming in to the game on the back of a heavy defeat and without their main man Morgan Schneiderlin through injury, but they are far from a one man team and they have the best defence in the Premier League.
As Olivier Giroud is only just back, he is yet to really establish an on pitch understanding with Danny Welbeck, so I think we need the Chilean for his dribbling skills, closing down and motivating influence. With Theo Walcott close to a comeback, it will not be long before Alexis can sit one out, perhaps away to Galatasaray next week.
For now, we must take Southampton very seriously and play our strongest side and that means Alexis in from the start. Do you agree?