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Arsenal vs Benfica Europa League preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

By Ross Kennerley

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 18: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal scores their sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between SL Benfica and Arsenal FC at Stadio Olimpico on February 18, 2021 in Rome, Italy. SL Benfica face Arsenal FC at a neutral venue in Rome behind closed doors after Portugal imposed a ban on travellers arriving from the UK in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 18: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal scores their sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between SL Benfica and Arsenal FC at Stadio Olimpico on February 18, 2021 in Rome, Italy. SL Benfica face Arsenal FC at a neutral venue in Rome behind closed doors after Portugal imposed a ban on travellers arriving from the UK in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19 variants. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Kieran Tierney
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: (L – R) Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal speaks with Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2021 in London, 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) /

Arsenal Team News vs Benfica

Tired legs, fresh legs and injured legs. Arteta’s team selection will be based around who will be the least fatigued after the team’s efforts in the defeat to Manchester City.

"“I don’t know if it will be five, four or seven [changes]. We will have to see how they react from today’s performance,” Arteta told the official Arsenal website. “It was a really tough game physically for both because it was full gas from the beginning and we will see who will be available and fit to be there.”"

Kieran Tierney was a welcome sight back in the team, even if it was surprising to see him play the full 90 minutes after his lay-off. Not only did he look exhausted from the 60th minute onwards, he admitted as much after the game.

Mohamed Elneny got the nod over Dani Ceballos in central midfield, a decision that won’t be carried over into Thursday where the Spaniard will come back into the side, to much rejoicing. In central defence it was Rob Holding and Pablo Mari who came in, and given the decisions for the first leg, Gabriel and David Luiz look set to return.

Emile Smith Rowe was left out of the City loss for some much-needed rest, hinting that Martin Odegaard will drop out and the 20-year-old will assume his favoured No. 10 slot. Given the lack of minutes Odegaard has played since Christmas, he may be benched.

The big question hanging over the second leg is whether Thomas Partey will be fit. Arsenal revealed he was being monitored ahead of Sunday’s clash, which hints that he could be in contention for Benfica.

Either way, it’s a huge risk as the club will hopefully have learnt from past mistakes when it comes to rushing him back into action, so it’s highly unlikely he’ll start.

For the the visitors, Benfica travel to Athens without duo Andre Almeida and Jardel, the former suffering an ACL injury back in October while the central defender is out with a thigh strain.

Right-back Gilberto is available from the start having only been fit enough for the bench in the first meeting.