Arsenal legend Paul Merson wants Nicolas Pepe to start against Brentford this Saturday.

The Ivory Coast winger is frustrated with his situation at the Emirates, having not started for Arsenal since mid-October.

But with Gabriel Martinelli suspended, Merson expects Pepe to bounce back against the Bees.

In his predictions column for Sportskeeda, Merson wrote: "As for Arsenal's front three, I think Alexandre Lacazette will play with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe either side of him.

"Gabriel Martinelli getting sent off against Wolves is a massive blow for them, but I think they should be able to cope without him as they've got other options.

"Nicolas Pepe hasn't been great, but he is another player who can get the job done in a game or two if he's drafted into the team."