Arsenal predicted lineup vs Olympiacos: A chance to rest?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a difficult task on his hands with regards to team selection for the Europa League game against Olympiacos on Thursday. It’s all about balance.

The team come into the tie with a healthy cushion beneath them. The Gunners’ 3-1 first leg victory away in Athens means the London side head into their home leg with a substantial three away goals aiding them. Ideal for Mikel Arteta and his staff.

Yet, Arsenal’s victory in Athens wasn’t even their best win of the week. Days later, upon return to England, Arteta directed his side to an exceptional 2-1 victory against Sp*rs in the second north London derby of the season.

Prior to the derby, Arteta had a fully fit squad available to him. Unprecedented. However, it’s likely he’ll have a few members of the first team unavailable for selection on Thursday.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Olympiacos: Europa League second leg showdown

Bukayo Saka was hooked at half-time due to hamstring tightness while a few players, including star midfielder Thomas Partey, looked dead on their feet at full-time.

Thus rotation appears a necessity for Arsenal’s Spanish manager, but as aforementioned, it’s all about balance. He can’t change things up to the extent that it has a psychological impact on the team, perhaps leading to a lax performance, but he also shouldn’t risk anyone in the medical ‘red zone.’

Here’s our predicted lineup for Arsenal’s second leg match against Olympiacos in the Europa League round of 16.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – You sense rotating in goal would just send out the wrong sort of message on Thursday. It’d indicate that Arsenal expect an easy ride against Olympiacos, which they really shouldn’t. Avoiding defeat is still important to keep the very apparent momentum in this Arsenal squad going so Leno should keep his place.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – After his rest against Sp*rs, Hector Bellerin will in all likelihood return to Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup. He appears to be the Spaniard’s favoured option in Europe and he was deservedly commended for a strong outing in Athens last week. He’ll reclaim his spot at right-back.

Rob Holding (CB) – Centre-back is an area where Arsenal need to rotate. Both David Luiz and Gabriel, more so the former, have played a lot of football lately and should be given a rest on Thursday evening. Rob Holding is another great option at right centre-back so he should replace Luiz.

Pablo Marì (CB) – Next to Holding, Pablo Marì should start. Marì and Holding formed something of a formidable partnership over the winter period with the pair complimenting each other very nicely. They’ll provide more than adequate security against Olympiacos.

Çedric Soares (LB) – Left-back is another area of the pitch where one senses the usual starter is due a rest. Kieran Tierney has been superb of late but it’s also been pretty non-stop for him. Çedric should get a consecutive start, but instead at left-back rather than right-back. He had a decent run of games on the left covering for an injured Tierney a few weeks ago so he’ll have no problem slotting into that role.