Arsenal predicted lineup vs Benfica: Europa League returns

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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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Nicolas Pépé (RW) – Like Holding, Nicolas Pépé was handed a surprising, yet well-earned, rest on Sunday that will surely to keep him in good stead ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie. It may not be a popular decision, but Arteta will likely bring him in for Bukayo Saka on the right who played the full 90′ against Leeds.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – Through the middle, Alexandre Lacazette should be welcomed back into the starting lineup – the Frenchman was another player who was fully-rested against Leeds. If Ødegaard does start, it will be interesting to see how Lacazette operates. Ødegaard’s tendency to drop deep makes Lacazette’s role of linking things up in the midfield area somewhat redundant.

It’d be nice if Lacazette was instead told to focus on poaching, similarly to how he was deployed in his Lyon days.

Next. Summer clear-out mooted. dark

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – As for the left-flank, don’t worry, there’s no need to mention the W-word. We have Martinelli. Arteta appears to be carefully looking after the Brazillian’s fitness at the moment so he may not complete a full match but it’s important he gets some minutes under his belt in Rome.

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