Bruno Guimaraes could make his first Premier League start for Arsenal in one of the most hostile environments possible on Saturday night.
The £75million summer signing is pushing to start alongside Declan Rice when Mikel Arteta’s side face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Guimaraes has been eased into life at Arsenal after arriving from Newcastle United, but he returned from his latest fitness issue with a second-half appearance during Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Napoli.
The Standard now expects Arteta to hand the Brazilian his first Arsenal league start against Sunderland.
Sunderland reception awaits Bruno Guimaraes
Any start would come with an obvious subplot.
Guimaraes captained Newcastle before moving to Arsenal and became one of the most recognisable figures on Tyneside.
That history means the former Newcastle midfielder is unlikely to receive a warm welcome from Newcastle’s biggest rivals.
The Guardian has already highlighted the reception Guimaraes could face at the Stadium of Light, while talkSPORT has also made the issue a major part of its Sunderland-Arsenal build-up.
That should not influence Arteta’s selection.
Arsenal have carefully managed Guimaraes during the opening weeks of the season, with his only Premier League appearance so far coming from the bench against Aston Villa.
He then received another 25 minutes against Napoli.
Arteta faces Guimaraes or Lewis-Skelly decision
The main question is whether Arteta now believes Guimaraes is ready to start.
ReadArsenal’s Arsenal predicted XI vs Sunderland currently has Myles Lewis-Skelly partnering Rice after the teenager started Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
However, Guimaraes offers greater experience for a difficult away fixture and has now added another competitive appearance to his recovery.
His involvement could also help Arsenal deal with Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka in central midfield.
Saturday’s game therefore presents Arteta with one of his biggest selection calls.
If Guimaraes does start, his first Premier League appearance in Arsenal colours from the opening whistle will come in surroundings where every touch is likely to attract attention.
Supporters can find the full Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and 8pm kick-off details ahead of the game.
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