Merson reveals a situation that must see Odegaard start the Chelsea match

Paul Merson has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to start Martin Odegaard in their upcoming match against Chelsea if rivals Liverpool and Manchester City win their fixtures at the weekend. With Arsenal experiencing a dip in form after back-to-back losses, the pressure is mounting on the team to secure a victory, and Merson believes Odegaard's presence could be crucial in such an important game. Given that Liverpool and City play before Arsenal, Merson suggests that if both teams win, the pressure on Arsenal to perform increases even further, making Odegaard's inclusion essential.

Odegaard, who has been sidelined since the September international break due to injury, has left a noticeable void in Arsenal's midfield, impacting the team's creativity and leadership on the pitch. His absence has coincided with Arsenal's recent struggles, and his return in the closing moments of the Inter Milan match provided a welcome boost to fans. Although it may be cautious to ease Odegaard back by keeping him on the bench, Merson argues that Arsenal cannot afford to take that approach if they want to keep pace with their top rivals.

As Merson explained to Metro Sport, "If they've [Liverpool and City] both won then I think Odegaard has got to start the game. Ten and nine points, if both those teams win, that's a lot of points, and, for me, it would be a must-win football match, and you take a chance [on Odegaard]." Merson's emphasis on the points gap highlights the urgency Arsenal faces in maintaining their competitiveness this season, especially as rivals continue to build momentum.

Odegaard's vision and ball control have been integral to Arsenal's style of play, allowing them to dictate the pace and break down defensive setups. Without him, Arsenal has lacked a true playmaker, making it harder to unlock opposition defences and leaving Arteta's side to rely on individual brilliance or wide play to create chances. Merson's recommendation to start Odegaard, therefore, comes from a belief that Arsenal cannot afford to go into such an important fixture without their midfield maestro, particularly with the risk of falling behind in the title race.

For Arsenal, this weekend's clash with Chelsea represents an opportunity to get back on track. However, it also presents a potential pitfall if they fail to address recent shortcomings. As Merson points out, a third consecutive defeat could leave Arsenal well off the pace, making it even harder to contend for top honours as the season progresses.

Ultimately, Merson's comments highlight the stakes for Arsenal and Arteta this weekend. With Odegaard available and Liverpool and City potentially stretching their leads, the question for Arteta is whether he can afford to leave his star midfielder on the bench. For Arsenal fans, the hope is that Odegaard's return, even if premature, might just provide the spark needed to turn the team's fortunes around and keep them in the race for a Premier League title.