‘I think’: Arteta could be about to give two Arsenal players their first starts of the season – journalist

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Cedric Soares and Reiss Nelson could be set for their first Arsenal starts of the season in the Europa League tonight.

Nelson came off the bench in last week’s 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt at the Emirates Stadium, making his Gunners comeback.

Cedric has not played at all this term but should come into the team at right-back with Mikel Arteta set to make changes ones again.

Journalist Charles Watts shared on YouTube the team he expects Arteta to field in Norway as Arsenal go in search of a third European win of the season.

Watts on Cedric and Nelson

He said: “Looking at the predicted eleven for this one, I think we’ll see Cedric for the first time this season tonight. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t play.

“I think he’ll be at right-back. Up front, I think Marquinhos will be on the right, Eddie Nketiah will definitely be the central striker. Then I think we’re going to see Reiss Nelson.

“Gabriel Martinelli obviously is an absolute machine, a livewire, tireless, can run forever. But he’s got to get a rest at some point.

“I think Reiss Nelson will come in on the left hand side of the attack. Nelson did very well in his cameo last week, I was surprised he didn’t start that game. I’m not sure you can risk Martinelli with 5 starts in 11 days.”

The Gunners are flying right now and that means that when players come into the team, they know they have to play well.

They are also likely confident and buzzing with the good feeling around the club right now and that was the case last Thursday.

First starts of the season for two more players would be a boost going into a really busy period of fixtures; Cedric and Nelson will be keen to impress if they are handed a start.