Following a welcome 4-2 victory over Leeds United on the weekend, Arsenal are hoping to build on their momentum as they take on SL Benfica on Thursday. The trip to Roma serves as the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash, with the Gunners especially keen on winning the coveted tournament, which would give them direct qualification to the Champions League next season.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs SL Benfica
Defence
The game against Leeds United saw Mikel Arteta bench Rob Holding for the first time in quite a while. However, the Englishman is a favourite to return to the starting eleven, replacing David Luiz in central defence.
The Brazilian has been a key fixture in the Arsenal backline, of late, but will be rested this midweek, as Arteta keeps one eye on the important Premier League matchup against Manchester City on Sunday. It could pave the way for Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes to form the central defensive partnership, although Pablo Mari is another alternative.
Arsenal are very unlikely to welcome back Kieran Tierney this midweek, which means Arteta will have no option but to continue with the fullback combination of Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares while Bernd Leno retains his place in goal, ahead of Runar Alex Runarsson.
Midfield
Thomas Partey is also likely to join Tierney in the Arsenal’s list of potential injury-related absentees. It could be a piece of positive news for Dani Ceballos, though, as the Spaniard hopes to once again make an impression in the double-pivot alongside Granit Xhaka.
Mohamed Elneny is another option for Mikel Arteta, should he prefer a more defensive approach against a Benfica, who do boast a strong and hard-working midfield unit. Elsewhere, Emile Smith Rowe is tipped to get the nod ahead of Martin Odegaard in the number ten position, as the youngster looks to continue his development this season.
Attack
Meanwhile, in the attack, Arteta is likely to recall Alexandre Lacazette into the starting eleven after surprisingly benching him against Leeds United. The move worked out quite well at the end as his replacement Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged a hat-trick.
The Gabonese international should shift into a wider position this time around, with Nicolas Pepe also replacing Bukayo Saka on the opposition. They will hope to provide the supply for Lacazette in a new-look Arsenal frontline.
