The Belgian is in the starting XI despite having played just twice in the league.
Ahead of one of their biggest tests of the season, Arsenal have decided to field club captain Thomas Vermaelen against Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Belgium international has not started a league for the north London side in 2013/14 and it will be only the 27-year-old’s fifth appearance of the season.
The Gunners usual defensive duo of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker has had to be split up after the German picked up a training ground bug – which has also ruled out Tomas Rosicky.
It means that Vermaelen has a chance for the skipper to prove himself, but against United at Old Trafford it couldn’t be a much bigger stage and fans have taken to Twitter to voice their opinion.
Vermaelen once upon a time was fantastic and one of the best players in our squad. Now none of us want him on the pitch. Funny old game.
— Matt Chapman (@MattChReport) November 10, 2013
Vermaelen hope you have a good game. ..dont let rvp slide like last season.
— Yaw Yesu Afrifa (@Yawprodigy) November 10, 2013
vermaelen had a shocker at OT last season, hoping he’s been taking notes while on the bench
— DJ SEVZ (@connorseverin99) November 10, 2013
I think we need to appreciate the fact that its vermaelen being a replacement and not the likes of Djorou #AFC
— Skinny nigga but.. (@skinnyskinnytm) November 10, 2013
If we lose today Vermaelen will have been the reason guaranteed
— Turk Turkleton (@josephAthomas96) November 10, 2013
It’s clear that confidence in Vermaelen is quite low, which is an odd fact considering it used to be the other way round when supporters compared the Belgium international and Mertesacker.
One thing is for sure, the defender is going to be under more pressure than most going into the game.
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