Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal predicted lineup vs Benfica: Europa League returns

By Rob Worthington

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates with team mates (L-R) Alexandre Lacazette and Hector Bellerin of Arsenal after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 02, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates with team mates (L-R) Alexandre Lacazette and Hector Bellerin of Arsenal after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 02, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Midfielders

Arsenal, Martin Odegaard
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Martin Oedegaard of Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Dani Ceballos (CM) – As for the midfield, this is an area of the pitch Arteta should refrain from rotating. Mohamed Elneny is a good squad player, but he’s not someone you want starting in what could turn out to be a potentially season-defining fixture. Ceballos looked fresh against Leeds and should continue to start ahead of the injured Partey. Like Tierney, it seems City at the Emirates on Sunday is a more realistic return fixture for the Ghanaian.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Against Leeds last weekend, Granit Xhaka reveled in the engine room alongside Ceballos. In fact, post-match, Marcelo Bielsa ascribed his team’s shortcomings to the failure to control Arsenal’s double pivot. Xhaka is a seasoned pro nowadays, made for important games like tomorrow’s.

Martin Ødegaard (CAM) – Real Madrid loanee Martin Ødegaard gained no fruit for his labour on Sunday via a goal or assist, but his presence was certainly felt in the emphatic 4-2 win. The Norwegian starlet’s languid playing style is very easy on the eye. When he’s fit, he should start for Arsenal from now on.

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