Arsenal will make the trip to Athens to play out their ‘home’ leg of their two-legged Europa League clash with Benfica today.
The Gunners have a near-full squad of options to choose from for once, with just Rob Holding confirmed as missing.
Alex Runarsson isn’t available after the club decided to remove him from their Europa League quota, adding January arrival Mat Ryan in his place.
Mikel Arteta revealed that Thomas Partey was close to returning on Wednesday, and that he would undergo a final test yesterday to find out if he could play, and Football London reports have confirmed that the midfielder has made the trip to Greece.
The Spaniard also added that the defender Holding was fine, but due to new protocols on head injuries, he has to be assessed and will miss the trip.
“Thomas is very close,” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal Media. “He’s got a final test today in training. If he’s feeling good, he will be available to play the match.
“Regarding Rob, he’s not available. He had a concussion, we tested him and he’s completely fine but obviously now we need to follow the protocols and he won’t be able to travel.”
Predicted Arsenal XI:
Leno
Bellerin Luiz Mari Tierney
Partey Xhaka
Saka Smith Rowe Aubameyang
Lacazette
I believe that Smith Rowe was rested at the weekend with this match in mind, and his return looks highly likely in my eyes.
While I wouldn’t be shocked to see Odegaard or Pepe replace Lacazette in this line-up, I feel that Auba’s inconsistencies of late will see him return to the wider role, with the experienced Lacazette returning to the starting line-up after a break.
Who would you like to see make the line-up tonight?
Patrick
Anybody that is fit to play.
What is the essence of suggesting players like Auba that will still not perform when a Balogun could do better job.
I think its time Auba is benched to allow Nketiah to partner Laca
I honestly do not care what the lineup is, just as long as Bellerin isn’t playing. He has been shocking, and it’s beyond belief that Arteta cannot see this.
Others have been poor as well, but he and Willian stick out like a sore thumb…or two!
Bellerin has been playing well, and always trying hard
Maybe u’ve been watching 2014 highlights bruv
My wishing first 11 is Leno Luis Gabriel Tierney Bellerin Party Elnane Smith Saka lacazite aubamayen, then the rest should remained in bench
Bellerin is play well but i hate his reversing and stif leggs. He normally using shot pass even to an his oponents the same as Ceballos of chichen power . i pray Arsenal not to recruit Cebo premanent.
Where is my boy the Ganga of skills Reiss Nelson?
my mind keep telling that lacazette is the man
Lacazette.
Martinelli. Smith-Rowe. Saka.
Xhaka. Ceballos.
Tierney. Gabriel. Luiz. Cedric.
Subs – Aubameyang, Odegaard, Pepe.
Saka should not start today’s game. Bring Saka on after 55 would do the boy a world of good. Poor fellow is suffering from fatigue.
Agreed. Bring Saka on half time. Start ESR and Laca
Where is the “ Xhaka-Elneny combo”?With 5 defenders behind them?You know,Arteta-style…