The Southampton academy has seen the birth of many great talents over the years – Gareth Bale of Real Madrid, current trio Adam Lallana, James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw and Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, and the latter is ready to pay them another visit this weekend. Sky Sports say that the Gunners whippet has recovered from his abdominal injury and will be available to Arsene Wenger for the tie.
But should he be thrown straight into the side?
Arsenal are likely to line up with Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey in the central positions, with Santi Cazorla on the left and Mesut Ozil in the central position just behind Olivier Giroud. The right midfield berth is one that has been waiting for Walcott to return as no one else possesses the speed or the determination to get up and down the flank like the England international.
With Walcott completely fit but without any game time for some time, not even in the reserves, perhaps a slot on the bench may be best.
Southampton are a pressing side who excel through their fitness levels, so maybe inviting Walcott on in the latter stages to run at tired legs could work best, with Ramsey pushing out wide and Mikel Arteta sitting in the centre to begin with.
Arsenal fans, should Walcott be thrown straight into the side?