There is no guarantee that Aubameyang and Lacazette will both start against Brighton.
The Arsenal forward line up to face Brighton on Thursday night may not be what we expect.
I have a very sneaky feeling that Freddie Ljungberg will drop Alexandre Lacazette in favour of Gabriel Martinelli.
Lacazette had a poor game against Norwich City and apart from the odd game has been poor most of the season. On the other hand, when Martinelli has been given a decent amount of time on the pitch he has produced the goods.
Laca appears to have lost his edge. His first touch, movement and hold up play has been below his normal standard.
At the same time, Aubameyang is far more effective in the centre but always seems to be moved to wings slightly to accommodate the inclusion of Lacazette.
Martinelli is young and full of energy and he would be happy to basically take Aubameyang’s role while Auba takes Lacazette’s position.
I can not see Nicholas Pepe starting. I have no idea what has gone on behind the scenes but Unai Emery lost faith in the Arsenal record signing and Ljungberg appears to agree with his predecessor.
Regardless of what forward line Freddie goes with I do not see it including Pepe who I suspect will start on the bench.
Bukayo Saka could be an alternative to Martinelli but he just looks too raw and I think Ljungberg will see that as well.
So, in conclusion, the two forwards I expect will start against the Seagulls will be Aubameyang and Martinelli.
Based on production Martinelli should be a lock to start on left wing, based on trust he’ll start Saka.
We’ll need to unlock them I’m sure they will park the bus at the Emirates.
Lacazette doesn’t seem to be fully focused on Arsenal currently, so it’s better to start hungrier young players ahead of him
Laccazette and Auba is not a good pairing. They are really good both of them individually, but both best in the middle, and that is the problem.
I don’t think it’s their pairing that’s the problem but rather how poor lacazette has been this season. I also believe aubameyang offers more when given a free role like the last game where he drifts from wing to wing dribbling and pulling opposition defenders towards him and making space for other players, he’s too one dimensional through the middle where he hangs on the shoulder of the last defender waiting for a through ball to run at
I agree Lacca hasn’t been his best this season. But I almost can’t remember any games, where the pairing functioned well.
For me they are both best in the middle, and only one can play there. So there is an unbalance,
Martinelli – Auba – Pepe
as the front 3
I’d love to see this front line, but it shouldn’t be static they should constantly interchange
Agree, agree, agree! About time to switch to conventional 4.3.3 and play attacking football with the forwards we have.
Laca is indeed a very good player but down for some time, sure he will recover and start firing again. He and Auba should not start together or play together because they are both excellent in the same position. Martinelli is a good choice although I feel Pepe should also play to increase his confidence. After all, half of Europe was after his signature so he should be of some mettle and the only thing he needs is more playing time to increase his confidence.
I don’t think the front is the immediate problem, we need sorting at the back before we start worrying up top.
If our midfielders can hold the ball for 2to5 minutes our defense wont be in trouble
Really, i think our defence is in trouble, full stop, regardless of the midfield we cant defend.
Leno
Bellerin-Chambers-Holding-Tierney
Torreira-Özil-Xhaka
Pepe-Auba-Martinelli
Such a combination should start a few games without constant shuffle so they get used to playing together.
Subs such ad Laca, Nelson, Willock, Guendouzi can be brought in as required. But the same defensive lineup MUST get a chance for a while.
The Auba-Laca combo produced some 50 goals last season. So far they have scored 14 league goals between them this season. This is in spite of Laca being injured for six weeks. So how did you come to the conclusion that their pairing isn’t working?