Gary Neville has identified a key change that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should make ahead of the Gunners’ upcoming match against Manchester City on Sunday.
Despite missing key players like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, Arsenal managed to secure a 1-0 victory over rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
Defender Gabriel Magalhaes netted the only goal of the game in the 64th minute, heading home from a Bukayo Saka corner.
Looking ahead to the highly anticipated clash with City, Neville believes the only adjustment Arteta will make is the return of Declan Rice, who was absent due to suspension.
Rice is expected to replace Jorginho in the midfield.
Leandro Trossard, who filled in as an attacking midfielder in the absence of captain Odegaard – sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during international duty with Norway – impressed against Spurs.
According to Neville, Trossard’s strong performance means he is likely to retain his spot in the starting lineup for the City encounter.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville said: “I think he [Rice] will come in just for Jorginho and then leave it as it is.
“I think Trossard did well in that role – the number 10 – so I don’t think he’ll change that.
“I think he’ll keep it simple.
“I don’t think Mikel Arteta is doing anything nowadays that is surprising us and I say that in a positive sense and a complimentary sense.
“He’s got such confidence in his own team and how they play he doesn’t need to try and think of fancy different systems or shocking anybody with the team selection.
“He’s got stability.
“When you’ve got stability and an 11 that works together well and you can just change one or two then there is no need to do anything clever.”
He added: “You can trust the 12 or 13 players that are his best players.
“He might bring in [Gabriel] Jesus and [Raheem] Sterling on Thursday night but I don’t think he will be doing mass rotation.
“You can’t afford to do that and I don’t think you should do that.
“You have to trust that these players are capable physically of handling a Sunday-Thursday-Sunday [schedule].”
Read more: Manchester City’s hearing for 115 charges begins today
John Barnes lifts lid on Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk Liverpool contracts situation
Ange Postecoglou makes Tottenham trophy claim after Arsenal defeat
