Arsenal vs Benfica: Mikel Arteta faced with major selection headache

Arsenal have rarely been in this position this season, perhaps not even since the opening few fixtures of the Premier League weekend. With numerous players faltering for large spells and only a select few stepping up, Mikel Arteta has had relatively easy lineups to make.

Opting to start the season with Willian in the team and without Bukayo Saka, which feels like borderline criminal activity at this point, early promise from certain players dissipated and the so-called ‘reliable’ options were in short supply.

With January business seeing numerous comings and goings, the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe in the No. 10 role and Alexandre Lacazette hitting superb form, the lineups almost chose themselves.

In recent weeks Nicolas Pepe has embarked on his best streak of the season, Martin Odegaard has proven his worth to the team and now Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has rediscovered his scoring touch.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced with major selection headache ahead of Europa League round of 32 clash with Benfica at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday

What to do, then?

Everything mentioned is saluted. Arsenal have had options for positions all season, just, well, not reliable ones. In midfield Arteta’s hands are still tied without Thomas Partey and all hell to break loose if Mohamed Elneny features, but in forward positions there is a variety to choose from all offering different qualities.

On one hand, why break up a team that not only got the best out of Aubameyang but got the best out of one another? Odegaard had a tidy full debut and helped instigate an effective counter-press, meanwhile Smith Rowe’s ball recovering high up the pitch and creative movement is a vital asset even out on the left flank. He bounced off fluidly with Aubameyang and the potent triangle he formed with Granit Xhaka on that side resulted in the opening goal, among other opportunities.

Does Smith Rowe return centrally given Odegaard’s lack of minutes this season? He was brought off before full-time on the weekend, likely due to fatigue.

Pepe played no part in the 4-2 victory which has shades of tactical flexibility for the game as well as resting pre-Benfica. A livewire down that flank he’s finally starting to add some end product in the Premier League and his already frail confidence would take another significant knock if he’s exempt from two consecutive lineups.

These aren’t two paracetamol and a pint of water headaches. Arteta has wiggle room in his team for systems and personnel with differing profiles to suit the opponent. He will be savouring a moment that he hasn’t been presented with for large portions of the season. Big calls to make, but welcome ones.

This all without Gabriel Martinelli being mentioned, either. More options off the bench unless he persists with Willian.

It will be a fascinating lineup as whoever doesn’t feature has their own legitimate grounds for malcontent. Likely to boil down to Pepe or Odegaard, a case can still be made for most of the forward options.

This is real and healthy competition Arteta has on his hands. Precisely what is needed for the stage of the season where European knockout football kicks off. Bring it on.