Arsenal return to action this evening as they face Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League knockout clash.
The Gunners travel to Italy for this clash, with the game moved to the Stadio Olimpico for pandemic-related reasons.
The Portuguese side will be a stern test for Mikel Arteta’s side, and he may be tempted to make some changes given that Arsenal have a big game against Manchester City coming this weekend.
With that in mind, here is our predicted lineup for Arsenal this evening as they take on Benfica…
Bernd Leno looks nailed-on to start in goal unless there is a late injury, with Mat Ryan and Karl Hein likely to be his deputies.
Hector Bellerin should start at right back, whilst a Brazilian pairing of David Luiz and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre back would make sense tonight.
Kieran Tierney is back but this may come too soon for him to start, meaning Cedric Soares – formerly of Benfica’s bitter rivals Sporting – should feature at left back.
Granit Xhaka is key and should start in midfield, whilst it will be hard to drop Dani Ceballos after his fine performance against Leeds on Sunday.
Nicolas Pepe is knocking on the door for a start on one flank, with Bukayo Saka on the other having destroyed Leeds.
Emile Smith Rowe may be ready for a rest, so this would be a good chance for Martin Odegaard to start again as he builds up sharpness.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged a hat-trick against Leeds and should start again, though Alexandre Lacazette will be pushing hard to come into the side.
Ryan, Hein, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari, Tierney, Mohamed Elneny, Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli, Willian, Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are strong bets for the bench.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Holding, Cedric; Ceballos, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Pepe; Aubameyang.
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