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Mikel Arteta should REST Thomas Partey and other ‘key players’ for his FA Cup clash with Man City, says Arsenal icon Ray Parlour, who believes the Gunners boss will ring in changes as the league has priority.
- Arsenal will face Manchester City this Friday in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
- There is a debate about how strong the Gunners team should be
- They have established a strong lead in the table, but they lack some depth.
Ray Parlor thinks Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should seriously consider resting Thomas Partey for Friday’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City at the Etihad.
The top two in the Premier League meet for the first time this season in the fourth round and Arsenal fans are divided on whether to play against a strong team or focus solely on their title fight.
Midfield is an area of particular concern, with the Gunners having little backing for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
Ray Parlor thinks Mikel Arteta should rest some key players against Manchester City
Parlor believes Partey should be given the night off with the Gunners focused on the league
And Parlor believes it would be wise not to start Partey, who did not play in the only league game he has lost this season.
“Man City have more depth in their squad, so whatever the rotation is, you know a quality player will fill that position,” Parlor told talkSPORT.
“I think Mikel Arteta will take it seriously, but I think he will rest a couple of key players, like Partey.
“It’s tough because he didn’t envision being in this position as the league leader at this stage of the season.”
Arsenal fans are divided on how strong the Arteta team should be on Friday night
‘He also has to look at the start of the Europa League soon. The league game will come on February 15, which is a decisive game in the Emirates, which is huge.
‘I’m not going to get carried away by the league. It was another great result last week against United.
‘Tonight is all about team selection. But it’s a great game for both sides, but I don’t think it will affect the shape of the league too much, whoever comes out because you know there will be changes.
“I think they will go there and put on a performance to try and get a result and Man City are a quality team so it’s hard to call.”