LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal stand over a free kick during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 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 Andy Rain - Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal stand over a free kick during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 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 Andy Rain - Pool/Getty Images)

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Arsenal predicted lineup vs Benfica: Nicolas Pepe and Thomas Partey in?

by Ross Kennerley
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Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Benfica in the Europa League round of 32 second leg clash on Thursday: Will Nicolas Pepe and Thomas Partey return? (Photo by Andy Rain – Pool/Getty Images)

Arsenal face Benfica in the second leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie on Thursday in what is without doubt the biggest game of their season so far. Here is the predicted lineup.

How does Mikel Arteta go for this one? That is the million pound question.

Leaving Rome full of disappointment after a series of missed opportunities could only muster a 1-1 draw in the first leg, now the dust has settled the scoreline isn’t as detrimental as initially thought. The tie could easily be out of sight for the Portuguese outfit if the Gunners weren’t so wasteful, but a score draw away from home in European competition is never a bad result, per se.

What it does mean is that the progression for either side is finely balanced, and that the onus is on Benfica to be more adventurous than at Stadio Olimpico.

Jorge Jesus has big decisions on his hands regarding whether to stick with three central defenders or revert to his favoured 4-4-2 diamond. Arteta admitted he doesn’t know what his opposite number will plump for, thus his lineup will be made on who he thinks can produce the best result.

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Arsenal predicted lineup vs Benfica in the Europa League round of 32 second leg clash on Thursday: Will Nicolas Pepe and Thomas Partey return?

In central midfield the return of Thomas Partey is most welcome. Dubbed as ‘very close’ to returning, late fitness tests will determine if he is available to start. Meanwhile, Rob Holding will miss out as a precautionary measure after suffering concussion against Manchester City. He’ll be back for Leicester on the weekend.

Up front it will be intriguing to see whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang retains his place and Emile Smith Rowe returns to the left wing, while there is a decision to be made at full-back following two consecutive 90-minute outings for Hector Bellerin, as well as Kieran Tierney’s return.

Insisting he will set his side up to win the game as opposed to holding out for a stalemate and looking to sneak through on away goals – that was never going to happen anyway – the intent from the off will be similar to how it was in the first leg and ideally nothing like the opening period against Manchester City. Please not that again.

Who will Arteta go for? Onto the predicted lineup.

Arsenal, Cedric Soares

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: Dan N’Lundulu of Southampton is challenged by Cedric Soares (L) and David Luiz (R) of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium. (Photo by Frank Augstein – Pool/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – The German’s distribution has been gradually improving over the course of the season, a vital trait to complement his exceptional focus and shot-stopping ability. Even from crosses he looks more comfortable, so we’ll pray his howler against Wolves was his ‘one for the season’. He starts, of course.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – It’s a lot to ask of Bellerin to play three full 90-minute matches in the space of a week, but with Tierney a risk to gamble playing after a lengthy spell out, he may have no choice. Bellerin was exceedingly poor against City but excellent in the first leg, where Benfica’s lack of advanced wing-backs presented him with the space to link up with Bukayo Saka. More of that would be welcome.

David Luiz (CB) – Even if Holding weren’t absent for this one, David Luiz would still come back in. It wasn’t used to the best effect in Rome, but his long-ball distribution is a valuable asset against Benfica’s slow central defenders. As someone who can open the game up by carrying the ball better than Holding, he’s sure to start.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – There has been a difference of opinion on Pablo Mari’s display last time out, some praising his return to the side and others noticing the lack of match sharpness hindered him greatly. All of that is irrelevant though, as Gabriel will come back in. He’s finding form again after his illness.

Cedric Soares (LB) – Tierney probably didn’t expect to play the full 90 minutes against the Citizens, a decision that hints to him coming back in for the Leicester clash following Thursday. A natural left footer would be nice on that flank, but Arteta may compensate for that further up the pitch.

Next: Midfielders - Partey back?

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