Charlie Nicholas suggests Arsenal start Nicolas Pepe against Manchester United

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Charlie Nicholas has suggested that Nicolas Pepe is recalled to the team by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on New Year’s Day.

The Gunners host Manchester United on Wednesday in the Premier League and it’s vital they get three points to try climb up the table.

They currently sit 12th in the division and are remarkably only six points above the relegation places.

Arteta has started his reign as the new manager with a draw against Bournemouth and a defeat against Chelsea.

There have been signs that the North London club are making positive changes on the pitch, but ultimately they need results quickly.

Sky Sports pundit Nicholas believes the Manchester United fixture could be the right time to start Pepe.

Arteta has only used the 24-year-old as a late substitute in his opening two games in charge and the attacker is having a difficult first season at the Emirates Stadium.

“Arteta could give Nicolas Pepe a start. He may just be ready to come and do something,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.

TBR’s View:

Pepe will be desperate to prove to his new manager Arteta that he can play a big role under him and he deserves a chance against Manchester United, especially as it’s Arsenal’s third game within six days.

The right-winger could bring some fresh legs to the XI if promoted and he can be a goal threat on his day.

Arsenal splashed out a mouth-watering £72million (BBC) to sign Pepe from Lille in the summer and he needs to be given regular minutes to prove himself.

The left-footed dazzler has the pace and skill to be a hit in the Premier League, but needs to find his spot in the Arsenal system.