Unai Emery has his strongest squad available but what team will he go with?
For the first time since he became Arsenal manager, Unai Emery has his strongest squad available to choose from.
The only player unavailable is Reiss Nelson and even though he is a top-quality player, he is not an automatic starter.
So, in theory, Emery can pick the following team
Leno
Tierney
Holding
Luiz
Bellerin
Xhaka
Guendouzi
Ceballos
Lacazette
Aubameyang
Pepe
Now, some will argue that the midfield could be different, I accept that. It could easily be Torreira, Willock and Ozil but the point is that Emery can choose whatever midfield he wants because they are all fit.
The back four listed above is probably close to what most fans would want, maybe Chambers instead of Luiz is an option.
The frontline basically picks itself, you cannot get much stronger than Lacazette, Aubameyang and Pepe.
However, the chances of Emery going with that team is minimal. It is unlikely he will risk Lacazette from the start and I am not convinced he will start Bellerin or Holding.
It should also be noted that what the average Arsenal fan considers the best team is different to what Emery thinks is his best line up. As an example not many fans would select Xhaka, Emery will.
If it is not the game against Sheffield United that enables Emery to pick his best team it will be one very soon.
There will no longer be any excuses available to the Spaniard. He is as close to the fittest, healthiest, strongest squad he has ever had available. It is now time to deliver.