Charlie Nicholas tells Unai Emery NOT to play midfielder against Liverpool

Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas says he doesn’t want to see Granit Xhaka anywhere near the Arsenal XI for the Gunners trip to Liverpool on Saturday.

Unai Emery’s men were thrashed 5-1 at Anfield last time they travelled to Merseyside and Nicholas believes Xhaka doesn’t have the defensive discipline needed to help avoid another slaughter.

He told Sky Sports: “I’m dreading this game. How are they going to defend against Liverpool?

“David Luiz could make mistakes or he could have a man-of-the-match performance. Sokratis doesn’t offer enough and they are still vulnerable in the full-back areas.

Granit Xhaka, Arsenal’s first-choice captain

“Arsenal should play with two protectors in front. I don’t want Xhaka in the team, I would prefer Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. They would give Arsenal energy and defensive qualities.”

Xhaka captained Arsenal in the opening league game’s 1-0 win at Newcastle, in which the Gunners kept a clean sheet.

He missed the 2-1 win over Burnley through injury, but his return from injury is not a boost according to Nicholas who doesn’t even think he should be in the side, with a youngster like Guendouzi preferred.

Gooners, what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments…