Paul Merson urges Arsenal boss to start Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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Paul Merson has told Football London that Mikel Arteta has to name Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his team to face Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic this evening.

The striker was left on the bench for last week’s first leg, coming on as a second-half substitute with Arsenal chasing a goal.

Aubameyang has found the net 14 times this season but has struggled to gain any real consistency since penning his new contract in the summer.

The Europa League is Arsenal’s final hope of silverware this season – and it could be their final chance to secure a return to European football for 2021/22.

Merson believes Aubameyang has the potential to cause havoc in tonight’s clash and has urged Arteta to make the call.

He told Football London: “I have to play my star man. And I would play him upfront alongside Lacazette with three in attack with Saka and Pepe. They will cause havoc.

“If I need to win a football match and I know I will get chances I need my best goalscorer on the pitch. If he doesn’t bring anything else to the party, he will put the ball in the back of the net.”

TBR View: Aubameyang in desperate need of some form

The 31-year-old has struggled to gain any real consistency this season and that must represent a worry for Arteta.

He is desperately trying to find a consistent formula at the Emirates Stadium and dearly love an in-form Aubameyang to help him.

The Gabonese talisman found the net 29 times last season but he doesn’t look like getting close to that total this time around.

For Arsenal to continue in the tournament beyond tonight they have to score – and Aubameyang finding his shooting boots would be ideal.

If Arteta selects him that is…