Arsenal travel to Prague on Thursday as they take on Slavia Prague in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal encounter. The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg at the Emirates, meaning the Gunners must at least score twice if they are to advance through to the semifinal. They are coming on the back of a sublime 3-0 win over Sheffield United on the weekend, which should give them the confidence heading into this match.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Slavia Prague
Defence
Bernd Leno finally managed to keep a welcome clean sheet in the Sheffield United game and should retain his place in between the sticks for Arsenal as he hopes for the same this midweek.
Things are a bit more complicated elsewhere in defence, with Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers competing for the right-back position. Bellerin should get the nod, after being rested on the weekend.
Cedric Soares, though, is a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank as Arsenal are without their premier left-back, Kieran Tierney, due to injury.
As for the two centre-back slots, Rob Holding, it seems, is a surefire starter, but alongside him, Mikel Arteta may recall Gabriel Magalhaes and play him ahead of Pablo Mari. The Brazilian did look shaky in the first leg but also had some good moments while his leadership could be essential in this encounter.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka had to play in an awkward left-back position in the most recent game against Sheffield United. He is expected to shift back to his preferred central midfield area, partnering Thomas Partey in the double-pivot.
Partey endured arguably his worst game as an Arsenal player in the reverse fixture, but was phenomenal against Sheffield United, notably assisting the third goal. He will be hoping to make amends against much tougher opposition in Slavia Prague this midweek.
Attack
Arsenal’s two key playmakers in Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe are both major doubts heading into this game. It might just force Arteta to continue with Bukayo Saka in the number ten role after he impressed in the last game.
The Spaniard does have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang available, which means the Gabonese international should slot into the left-wing position ahead of Gabriel Martinelli. Aubameyang, Saka and Nicolas Pepe, on the right-hand side, should therefore form Arsenal’s creative trifecta, just behind the main striker Alexandre Lacazette.
