‘I’ve got a feeling’: Arsenal journalist thinks Arteta will start ‘fantastic’ 20-year-old against Brighton today

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Arsenal take on Brighton today at The Emirates in what is a must win game for the Gunners, and respected journalist Charles Watts thinks that Gabi Martinelli will get the nod from the start.

Martinelli came on against Palace last time out and was one of the few bright sparks on the pitch for Arsenal. There have been calls for the Brazilian to be used down the middle, with Alex Lacazette currently struggling for any sort of form.

Of course, Mikel Arteta likes having the experienced Lacazette in and among his young team. The real question, then, is who starts on the left out of Emile Smith Rowe and Martinelli. And Watts, who was speaking on his own YouTube channel yesterday, believes Martinelli might have done enough to start this time.

“I’ve got a feeling Martinelli might get the nod over Smith Rowe. I thought he was really good when he came on at Palace and it was the sort of performance that made you think he needs to be on the pitch at the moment,” Watts said.

“Personally, I’d play him at central striker but I don’t think Arteta will do that. But I would expect to see him on that left side, with Smith Rowe on the bench.”

TBR’s View: Martinelli Is Needed For Arsenal Against Brighton

Arteta will have to change his team anyway given the injury to Thomas Partey, but you do feel there is a need to inject some fresh energy as well at the top of the field.

The Gunners were laboured in their attacking work at Palace and Martinelli brings the energy that you need. Against Brighton, too, who like to keep the ball, the Brazilian can help harass the Seagulls into making mistakes.

The ‘fantastic‘ Martinelli has been in good form on the whole and the game today is a big chance for him to show his real worth.