Arsenal predicted lineup vs Villarreal: Tierney and Aubameyang?

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Looking off the boil recently, even if Saka hasn’t hit his usual heights he’s Arsenal’s best player and when fit, he starts.

With Odegaard in the team and looking to occupy the right half-space with Chambers supporting, it gives Saka freedom to drift infield where he can link with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or make runs in behind the Villarreal defence.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – Who does Arteta go for? With Lacazette having been superb in the previous round it would feel strange to drop him, yet with Arteta having his creative trio fit and available for this clash he will prefer to field a striker making the runs beyond as opposed to dropping deep.

If Lacazette starts then one of either Gabriel Martinelli or Nicolas Pepe has to play. With the manager adoring his technically secure group of Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Odegaard, the system could be more akin to that seen at home to Leeds.

There is a worry over how sharp Aubameyang will be after contracting malaria, and it is presumed that even if he starts he won’t be close to 100%. However, given the personnel available, he should get the nod.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – Like his fellow Hale Ender, Smith Rowe has been unusually quiet of late. Unable to stamp any authority on the games against Fulham and Everton, the addition of Odegaard into the side could see him return to his best, like as witnessed against Slavia Prague, even though the Norwegian wasn’t available.

Again, on the basis that Tierney won’t play with Xhaka not overlapping, Arsenal need someone on the left with good ball retention and who is effective in the counter press. For those reasons alone Smith Rowe will start, before even venturing into his outstanding ability.