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Arsenal predicted lineup vs Olympiacos: A chance to rest?

By Rob Worthington

Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) embraces Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on November 1, 2020. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) embraces Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on November 1, 2020. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Midfielders

PIRAEUS, GREECE – MARCH 11: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal on the ball during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match between Olympiacos and Arsenal at Karaiskakis Stadium. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
PIRAEUS, GREECE – MARCH 11: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal on the ball during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match between Olympiacos and Arsenal at Karaiskakis Stadium. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

Dani Ceballos (CM) – In the engine room, Dani Ceballos will be tasked with repairing a reputation that has been slightly damaged in recent weeks. A few glaring errors have left him in the bad books of many Arsenal fans so a tidy outing against Olympiacos would do the man on loan from Real Madrid the world of good. Partey absolutely needs a break.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – However, one player who never appears to need a rest is Granit Xhaka. He’s recovered well since his horror moment against Burnley three fixtures ago so Mr. Dependable will likely be depended upon once again by Arteta against Olympiacos.

Emile Smith Rowe (CAM) – Without question, Emile Smith Rowe enjoyed his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date from the left-wing to during Sunday’s north London derby. The Englishman consistently and effectively popped up in the left half-space with Kieran Tierney speeding past him on the overlap. It was a pleasure to watch.

Nonetheless, Smith Rowe should return to his favoured central role against Benfica to give Martin Ødegaard a well-earned rest. The Norwegian has been excellent recently but after being named captain of his country last week he’ll definitely be on international duty next week so he should be given some respite at every realistic opportunity before he goes away.

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