ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has fielded a near-full strength side against PSV Eindhoven despite his team already qualifying for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The Gunners are currently sat top of Group A having won all four of their games played so far.
With two games left, the gap between Arsenal and third place Bodo/Glimt is eight points, meaning Arteta‘s men are guaranteed a second or first placed finish.
But should Arsenal lose Thursday’s 5.45pm kick-off at PSV, the Dutch side would close the points gap to two, meaning they could catch the Gunners in the final group game next week.
Top teams such as Barcelona, Juventus and possibly Atletico Madrid are set to drop down from the Champions League.
And in order to avoid facing one of these teams in the Round of 32 and skip straight to the last-16, Arteta has gone strong to wrap the group up.
First-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is being protected by a back four of Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney.
Albert Sambi Lokonga partners Granit Xhaka in the midfield.
And a three of Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Martinelli starts behind Eddie Nketiah.
Arteta’s choice of line-up has fans all saying the same thing: What happened to resting players?
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The Gunners are currently sat top of the Premier League after 11 games played, leading defending champions Manchester City by two points.
And fans want players to be fresh to maintain momentum.
One said on Twitter: “This coach [Arteta] should be resting some of these players. Bring in Nelson and marquinhos.”
Another said: “Why such a strong lineup? I get wanting to keep momentum but Arteta just complained about squad depth and players being tired.”
However, a point secures top spot and Arteta can rest his stars for next week’s home game against rock-bottom Zurich.
It would also afford Arsenal a rest in the new year, jumping straight into the last-16 and avoiding a potential early tournament exit.
