Arsenal FC: 3 ways the Gunners could line up with Nicolas Pepe

#1 4-4-2 Formation

Arsenal could lineup in a 4-4-2 formation.

Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have formed one of the most potent striking partnerships in the Premier League. The duo has been unstoppable and have torn through defences, team after team.

Emery fielded the two strikers in what many saw as Arsenal's strongest formation last season: 3-5-2. However, it is unlikely that such a formation would be used this season - or next, really - if Arsenal intends to play with their record signing's strengths in his main position.

While wingers do exist in the five-midfielder formation, they must be attack-minded as well as defence-focused. One of Nicolas Pepe's weaknesses is his inability to aid his team in defence. While that's not much of a problem in a fluid attacking team, it poses as a major obstacle if Pepe is the only player on the right-wing and cannot fall back to help out.

Therefore, the best formation Arsenal would have is 4-4-2. Not only does it complement Pepe's positions effectively, but it is also capable of switching to 4-2-4 during sudden counter-attacks and 4-2-3-1 in possession spells.

With 4-4-2, Pepe doesn't need to fall back in defence. Lacazette and Aubameyang can receive long balls and they would have an efficient wing-forward in Pepe who can open up an unprepared defence with his pace.