Mikel Arteta's team selection for this evening's Europa League fixture against PSV Eindhoven has got a number of Arsenal supporters talking.
The Gunners go into the game at the Philips Stadium hoping to keep their perfect winning record in this season's competition intact. In fact, a repeat of last week's 1-0 victory over the Dutch outfit will not only confirm Mikel Arteta's side as winners of Group A but also clinch a place in the round of 16.
When speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, the Arsenal manager stressed the importance of topping the group to avoid facing a third-placed Champions League team - such as Barcelona - in the Europa League knockout play-off round when the competition resumes after Christmas.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs PSV LIVE: Team news as Ramsdale starts, Turner misses out, Odegaard included
"This competition is getting harder and harder and I think, as you mentioned, how it looks today and what the possibilities are it looks like the next round is going to be extremely competitive," he told reporters. "That's why finishing first in the group and avoiding another two games is such an important thing for us."
In a dream scenario for the Spaniard, a draw will be enough for his side this evening and in an attempt to secure the required result to avoid two extra games in the new year, he has made several changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw away at Southampton four days ago.
Five to be exact as Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Eddie Nketiah all come into the team at the expense of Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. Meanwhile, there's somewhat of a surprise in goal as Aaron Ramsdale starts because a tight groin keeps Matt Turner out of action.
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Holding, Tierney; Lokonga, Odegaard, Xhaka; Vieira, Nketiah, Martinelli
Most of the reaction from Arsenal supporters on social media has centered around the inclusion of Fabio Vieira in what looks like a new role for him as part of the attacking trio instead of the midfield three. Below are some of the best responses on Twitter...
@Yaz_ftbl said: "Wonder how Vieira and Odegaard rotate together because on paper that just seems horrible, especially with Tomi RB. Let’s see though it’ll be interesting," @NotZuZmeister said: "Tomiyasu-Odegaard-Vieira RHS? Couldn’t make it any more stiff/static," and @GeorgeV_AFC said: "Frustrating selection - likely static RHS dynamics given a lack of dynamic running power down that side. With Odegaard RCM & Tomi RB there’s a lack of running power for an effective overlap for Vieira who prefers play inside not touchline."
Although there are some more positive responses, for example, @jamesash89 said: "Odegaard and Vieira? Run it back" with an image of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas celebrating, whilst @LegendaryDayo is willing to see how things unfold: "Interesting to see the Odegaard and Vieira pair up...."
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