Alexandre Lacazette has struggled since his return from injury back in October, however, plenty of fans are hoping to see the Frenchman back in the side at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s expense.
The 28-year-old has been named on the bench by Freddie Ljungberg in three of the last four fixtures, a decision that has sat relatively well with large sections of supporters.
Some have even backed the club to sell Lacazette in order to bring Wilfried Zaha to north London in recent weeks.
However, with new manager Mikel Arteta set to take charge of his first game against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, many are hoping to see Lacazette included.
@SemperFiArsenal shared an image of Lacazette and Arteta in training on Monday, with the caption ‘Nope Laca, you aren’t starting on Thursday.’
These Arsenal fans were quick to leap to the forward’s defence, claiming the striker does deserve to start against the Cherries ahead of Aubameyang.
Twitter: @SemperFiArsenal Lacazette>>Aubameyang I have seen the light. (@ffsJxseph)
Twitter: @SemperFiArsenal I don’t get all the Lacca hate!? He works so hard and makes things happen. Something we are crying out for. (@jedsearles)
Twitter: @SemperFiArsenal Give more overall than Auba to be fair (@_Ciaran_95)
Twitter: @SemperFiArsenal Laca deserves to start. He brings more physicality to the front line (@Jaccobson)
Twitter: @SemperFiArsenal @LAloginho I would start @LacazetteAlex on every game, he is a fighter. Laca and Auba always on th… https://t.co/Hc5bc24MQO (@M_OZIL_1088)
Twitter: @SemperFiArsenal He better be don’t expect movement pressing or strength from auba his head isn’t at arsenal anymore (@whywouldidotha5)
Twitter: @SemperFiArsenal I would choose Laca over Auba anyday (@Choleboru)
Read Arsenal verdict
Aubameyang and Lacazette’s futures are both up in the air, so the way Arteta handles the pair over the next six months will be crucial.
The new Gunners boss could be keen on starting both forwards against Bournemouth on Thursday.
If he does, we’d probably see Aubameyang take up a wide position with Lacazette central.
If the pair can get back to their form from the beginning of the season, it could be huge in terms of their futures and the club’s overall finish come May.
