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Why Portsmouth presents Arteta with an opportunity to give fans a glimpse of the future – opinion

Though the majority of Arsenal’s season has appeared somewhat underwhelming, a turnaround under Mikel Arteta, along with other European contenders slipping up, has left the Gunners five points from fifth with a game in hand.

A significant proportion of that resurgence has been inspired by some of the youngest members of the Spaniard’s squad. When they take a break from Premier League action to face Portsmouth in the FA Cup this evening, Arteta could give fans a glimpse into Arsenal’s future.

It would be possible for Arteta to field a starting eleven including six first-team players under the age of 21 for the FA Cup clash this evening, and he must show his faith in the future of the club by using as many of them as possible. Fortunately for the Gunners boss, their selection of young talent covers a wide variety of roles, and it is time to experiment with how he will fit them into the same set up in the future.

A front three of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli could be particularly effective against the League One promotion chasers. Saka and Martinelli, in particular, have made a notable impression during this term for the Gunners, they have 12 goals and assists combined each, in all competitions this term, as per WhoScored. Saka has excelled at left-back, especially in the Europa League, where he is Arsenal’s highest-ranked player, with an average match rating of 7.78. Still, his future lies further forward, and that is where he should be utilised against Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, behind the front three, Joe Willock and Matteo Guendouzi are two other squad members under the age of 21 who could hold down the midfield. Willock has proven throughout this season to be creative, averaging 1.2 key passes in Europe, with an eye for goal having registered two Europa League and League Cup goals, as per WhoScored. While his French counterpart has made himself an almost integral member of the Arsenal squad in under two seasons and could become one of the divisions greatest engine room destroyers.

There is a youthful verve at the Emirates Stadium which is at the heart of Arteta’s revival of the north London club. Monday evening presents the Spaniard with the opportunity to give fans a glimpse into what the future might hold for a select group of his players.

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