Ainsley Maitland-Niles has become the first-choice left-back, if Arsene Wenger’s rotation policy is anything to go by, and fans believe he could be used on Friday against Liverpool.
Maitland-Niles has started Arsenal’s last two Premier League games as a left back over Sead Kolasinac. The move looked to be a temporary one as many thought Kolasinac was just being rested during the busy winter period.
However, the Bosnian started in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against West Ham, while Maitland-Niles was left out of the squad.
For some fans, this is an indication that the 20-year-old could be starting against Liverpool on Friday – and going up against the in-form Mohamed Salah.
@Ains_7 to play at LB v @LFC for @Arsenal is a genius move. His agility, speed and right footedness is #AFC 's best chance to shut down one trick pony @22mosalah #AFCLIV
— Charlie Roberts (@cesrobertssport) December 20, 2017
So that means its Ainsley Maitland Niles vs Mo Salah on Friday. Can't wait for that one
— Ⓜukky (@tatali90) December 20, 2017
If there's any of our full back that can deal with the threat of Salah then its Maitland Niles .. His burst of pace and strength I'd a huge asset . fact that he's more comfortable on his right leg is also an advantage
— Sheezy✊ (@__Shola) December 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/TinoChikoto16/status/943246030266609665
Salah has scored 14 goals in 17 Premier League games this season and is showing no sign of slowing down. Some feel that Maitland-Niles’s combination of pace and right-footedness would make him a better match for the Egyptian, however.
Alternatively, Nacho Monreal could play left-back in anticipation of Shkodran Mustafi’s return to the first-team. Kolasinac could also start again. Wenger has options to choose from, but whoever plays there on Friday, they’ll have a big job on their hands to keep the Reds forward quiet.
It’s a big game for both clubs in the race for a Champions League spot, with Arsenal currently one point behind Liverpool in fifth place.