Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could look to Leandro Trossard(Image: DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal have three undroppables vs Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta looks for perfect solution

Arsenal head into the clash with Aston Villa at the weekend with one eye no doubt on the Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday

by · football.london

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta trotted out the standard managerial response when asked about whether his focus was split between Aston Villa and Bayern Munich heading into the weekend.

The Spaniard was adamant that his and his players' focus was fully on Villa with the thrilling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich an afterthought. However, nobody can fully trust that a world-class coach only has one priority at any one time.

After so long out of the Champions League, the Gunners are reluctant to roll over for Bayern on Wednesday night after suffering burnout against Unai Emery's men. However, Arsenal cannot afford to lose any ground in the Premier League title race either and the West Midlands club travel down to the Emirates Stadium with their own ambitions on a knife's edge.

Therefore, Arteta's task is a tricky one - finding the perfect balance between rotation and going full strength. With this in mind football.london thinks there are three players who are simply undroppable for the Gunners this Sunday.

Tuesday night's hero deserves his chance

Without Leandro Trossard's introduction on Tuesday night, Arsenal could have been heading to Germany this coming week with a big mountain to climb. The difference between facing Bayern with the scores level and being a goal down is huge and will change how the hosts approach the clash.

Moving the former Brighton man onto the left flank in place of Gabriel Martinelli would allow for the Brazilian to gain a much-needed rest ahead of the big game with Bayern while capitalising on the momentum Trossard built against the German champions.

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Kiwior conundrum

It was an evening to forget for Jakub Kiwior as the Polish international struggled against the talent of Leroy Sane. Arteta decided to hook the 24-year-old at half-time and the Gunners looked much better for it.

His replacement Oleksandr Zinchenko looked more assured at left-back and is deserving of a start this weekend. Should he perform well again, the Ukranian is unlikely to lose his spot at the Allianz Arena.

Full circle moment for Havertz

When Arsenal last faced Villa, the summer signing from Chelsea was still searching for his role in this team. He had received the backing from Arteta but the attacking midfield role was not working.

Fast forward to April and Arsenal have discovered the perfect position for Havertz - centre forward. His Premier League goal tally is up to a respectable ten and he has made the place his own with Gabriel Jesus relegated to the bench.

With five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances, it is hard to see Havertz not starting against Villa.


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