Arteta tipped to snub ‘different class’ star, start summer signing vs Chelsea for three reasons

Arsenal head coach MIkel Arteta has been backed to snub Martin Odegaard and start Eberechi Eze against Chelsea for three reasons.

Arteta comes with an abundance of options in every position after Arsenal invested around £250 million in signings this summer.

This includes attacking midfield, with England international Eze joining the north London side to compete with Odegaard.

Each player has had a spell in the team this season and has at times been criticized for their form, but Eze could be favored after scoring a brace in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Spurs.

Arsenal have another big game this weekend as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table, with Arteta’s side hosting London rivals Chelsea.

And Gunners legend Ray Parlor is backing Eze to start due to his strong attitude and drive, while Odegaard has “gone through a tough time”.

“Odegaard has had a tough time this season with some injuries. But he really has that quality in those small areas of the pitch that he can get himself out of trouble,” Parlor told Metro via BetMGM.

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“In his time he is a different class. But Eze bided his time. It’s disappointing when you don’t play but you have to keep working hard, show your desire in training and show the right attitude. It’s easy to come in and start sulking.

“He hasn’t played for a while, but it’s all about attitude beyond that. Being in training first, being ready to go. That’s what I would have done and the managers notice that.

“He had his opportunity again against Spurs and scored two good goals. But now he has to put his head down.

“I don’t know who the team will be this weekend because we know Chelsea are very strong in midfield. Palmer, Caicedo and Fernandez are all very good players. We know Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice will play.

“I think Eze will probably start. But Arteta will have assessed things in training this week. And you can’t rest players when you’re going for the title, you need your best team.

“But momentum is so important when you win. He will assess that but I think Eze could keep his place.”

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Parlor also explained why he suspects Chelsea could ‘collapse’ against Arsenal this weekend.

“Arsenal have just had a very good result against Tottenham but we have to be wary of Chelsea because they have quality players,” added Parlor.

“The midfield is going to be very important as usual, they have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer who can be very dangerous. In the wide areas they are also dangerous and Joao Pedro is in very good form up top.

“But the main thing is Arsenal are at home. The place will be lively. If you score first against Chelsea they can collapse. They are a bit flaky in defense and they will pass up opportunities. Robert Sanchez can be a brilliant goalkeeper, or he can be a nightmare. I don’t think many of their players get into this Arsenal team.

“Chelsea’s problem is their consistency. They were talked about as a challenge for the league and they were up there at the start, but you don’t know what version of them is going to turn out. Chelsea can go to Leeds and lose 3-1 or go to Man City and get a win or a draw.”

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