Merson believes Arteta will prioritize the UCL game against Real Madrid over the league match against Brentford.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal legend, Paul Merson has advised Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta to rest three of his players during his team’s Premier League game against Brentford on Saturday evening.
The Gunners head into the clash following a 3-0 win over La Liga giants, Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final first leg tie played at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Arteta’s men will return to European action on Wednesday, April 16 for the second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A win, draw or 2-0 loss will be enough to send the North London club to the semi final of the European competition.
However, speaking ahead of Saturday’s league encounter against Brentford, Merson urged Arteta to leave the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard on the bench at the start of the match.
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He went on to say that he believes the Spanish tactician prioritizes the game against Real Madrid over the match against the premier League side.
“Brentford are not an easy team to face in the Premier League,” Merson told Sportskeeda.
He added, “I don’t think Mikel Arteta believes his team are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League despite the 3-0 win. So I am expecting him to rest a few players against Brentford.
“They have no chance of winning the [Premier] league title anymore so they will focus on the Champions League.
“I would not start Bukayo Saka in this game. He was excellent during midweek and Arsenal will need him fresh for the second leg.
“The same applies to Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.”
Arsenal’s league match against Brentford kicks-off at 5.30 pm Nigerian time.
