Arsenal predicted lineup vs Villarreal: Xhaka, Auba & Martinelli?

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – Was there any need for him to play five minutes at the end of the 2-0 win over Newcastle? Not really, but it doesn’t alter the fact he will be in the team as one of the first names down.

Seeing how he came to life without Ceballos on the pitch in the first leg, another single pivot with two floating No. 8’s either side may be in order. Will Arteta go down that route, or invite Partey to push up a few yards and sit Mohamed Elneny in front of the defence?

Mohamed Elneny (CM) – Is that what the masses want? Unlikely to be so, even if Elneny didn’t harm his chances of featuring on Thursday with a neat all-round display on Sunday capped off with a great finish for the first goal.

If he comes into side as predicted here, it won’t be as a direct replacement for Ceballos, who operated both as a left wing-back and as a freer No. 8. Elneny 1000% can’t do that. He is, however, full of confidence and that may sway Arteta’s mind to allow Partey to push slightly further upfield.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – Smith Rowe playing no part at St James’ Park coupled with Martin Odegaard finishing the match strongly suggests towards one and not the other featuring. Arteta did mention, however, that some players hadn’t properly recovered from Estadio de la Ceramica which doesn’t firmly cement the decision.

Odegaard created five chances in the north east, the most by any player in a single Premier League match under Arteta since he took charge. It was more like the Norwegian fans have come to know and that may have just edged it for the loanee.

It’s so tough to call.