Nicolas Pepe could start for Arsenal after team news confirmed pre-Watford – pundit
Nicolas Pepe could be given a rare start when Arsenal travel to Watford today.
That is the view of former Gunners and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about potential changes to the starting XI at Vicarage Road.
Pepe, 26, scored from the bench against Wolves as Arsenal recovered from a goal down to win at the Emirates last time out (24 February).
As quoted by Football.London (25 February), Mikel Arteta claimed he has seen “a different Nico” at Arsenal in recent weeks.
The Gunners travel to relegation-threatened Watford this afternoon.
Speaking to Football.London (4 March), Arteta confirmed Takehiro Tomiyasu is the only absentee for the clash.
When asked if Pepe could be handed his first league start since October, Campbell Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “I think he could be given a start.
“At the end of the day it’s about performing and when the team really needed him, Pepe was there. He made a real difference to the team. He is definitely someone who will be in Arteta’s thinking.
“Smith Rowe being out probably helped him get more minutes the other day. It gave him a quicker opportunity and Pepe took his chance.
“I think there will be more opportunities for him now. Pepe has a big part to play in this race for the top four.
“If he doesn’t start against Watford he can come from the bench a make a real difference.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has questioned if Arsenal are a ‘big-six’ club anymore after £238million announcement.