Arsenal are set to start their Europa League campaign against Benfica on Thursday, which is their best chance of qualifying for the Champions League after a poor run of form see them placed at 10th in the Premier League. Here we look at how the Gunners might line-up against Benfica:
Embed from Getty ImagesGoalkeeper:
Bernd Leno was the clear starter for Europa League games before January, however, the signing of Mat Ryan and his subsequent good performance against Aston Villa, after getting a start with Bernd Leno suspended due to receiving a red card against Wolves, have put a few question marks for the Gunners.
However, given Europa League remains their only true chance of silverware and Champions League qualification this year, the German shot-stopper might get the nod ahead of his deputy.
Defence:
Arsenal would be looking to rotate the squad with a tough schedule in the next couple of weeks. Though the Gunners won’t have too many options to rotate in the full-back spot.
With Kieran Tierney out injured, Ainsley Maitland-Niles out on loan, and Sead Kolasinac being loaned out to Schalke, Arsenal’s only available option is Cedric Soares. With the Portuguese taking over the helm at left-back, Hector Bellerin doesn’t have a deputy except for Callum Chambers who’s still making a comeback since his injury. Rob Holding and Pablo Mari might start as the centre-back pairing.
Midfield:
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With Thomas Partey unavailable and Granit Xhaka consistently playing, he might be rested and Arsenal might give the chance to Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos as the midfielders with Joe Willock also out on loan. Martin Ødegaard could also get the nod ahead of Emile Smith Rowe at No.10
Attack:
Again an area that might see heavy rotation. Alexandre Lacazette was rested against Leeds United in the last match and could be in line to start as the centre-forward for Arsenal against Benfica. Nicolas Pepe was another player who didn’t play a minute of football against Leeds and could be starting on the right wing with Willian also expected to get a start on the left-wing.
Arsenal Predicted XI vs Benfica: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Cedric; Ceballos, Elneny, Ødegaard; Pepe, Lacazette, Willian.
