Mikel Arteta has revealed that some of Arsenal's youngsters could be in line to start against Burnley in the Premier League.
The Gunners younger players have shone in the Europa League so far this season and helped Arsenal to a 4-2 victory over Dundalk on Thursday. The result ensured Arsenal became the only side in Europe to have a 100% group stage record, scoring 20 goals on their way to topping group B.
Contrastingly, the more senior players in the Premier League have scored just 10 goals in 11 matches and sit 15th in the table.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's game against the Clarets, Mikel Arteta was able to reveal that the impressive form of the youngsters might be enough to see some of them start.
"When I feel that it is the right moment to do that I have to pick the players that I have the feeling, we have the feeling as a coaching staff that has the best chance to win the game, so it has to be a yes." he said when asked if he was prepared to drop senior professionals in favour of less proven prospects.
Hale End graduates Ben Cottrell, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Eddie Nketiah, Miguel Azeez, Folarin Balogun, Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock all represented the Gunners' academy with style in Ireland on Thursday.
Of that group it seems that Eddie Nketiah is most likely to be given a start on Sunday. The 20-year-old became opened the scoring against Dundalk to become Arsenal's top scorer this season. He could be chosen over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe are also pushing hard to be given a go from the off after impressing yet again on Thursday night. The poor form of more established players like Willian and Granit Xhaka means Mikel Arteta may be tempted to play some of them.
Sunday's Premier League match might come a bit soon for Folarin Balogun though. The 19-year-old scored his second goal in an Arsenal shirt, and also grabbed an assist at the Dublin Arena to take his goal contribution tally to three in just 60 minutes of first team football. However, he is yet to even feature in a match day squad in the league for Mikel Arteta's side this season.
The Spaniard is unlikely to throw completely untested players in for what he admitted is a very important game in Arsenal's season, as they look to improve their home form.
"Absolutely, and we can do nothing right now about what happened in the last few weeks" he said when asked if the next two games against Burnley and Southampton could kickstart the Gunners' season.
"We know the home form is gonna be vital for our success and we have to change that immediately.
"So, if we want to have any hope of doing something important and relevant this season, it has to be by winning the games at home."
Arsenal have lost their last three games at the Emirates, but will be hoping the return of 2,000 fans on Sunday will help them get back to winning ways.
