Arsenal host Benfica at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens on Thursday. The Gunners come into this match tied 1-1 on aggregate, however, they have a one away goal advantage going into the game.
For the Gunners to advance to the Europa League Round of 16 in March, this is a must win game. They will need more than just a strong defensive performance, they will need goals. The Europa League is the Gunners only “hail Mary” for any chance to play in the Champions League next season.
Mikel Arteta must start a strong squad on Thursday, even though Leicester City waits in the wings for a Sunday Premier League showdown at the King Power Stadium.
With that said, here are my predictions for Thursday…
Arsenal’s starting XI…
[4-2-3-1]
Aubameyang
Martinelli, Smith Rowe, Saka
Xhaka, Ceballos
Tierney, Gabriel, Mari, Cedric
Leno
Final score…
ARSENAL 2 – Benfica 1 [Arsenal advance to the Round of 16 with a 3-2 aggregate score for the two legs]
COYG!
Arsenal Women will host Manchester United at Emirates Stadium in a WSL clash on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta reports Ben White could be ready and available to play on Saturday at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Football London is reporting Arsenal is keen on a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.
Football Insider reports the Gunners will have no interest in selling Martin Zubimendi in January.
Mikel Arteta on signing a new contract, “We are all very much aligned. Whenever the time is right, we will get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about. We have the same ambition and the same will. Whenever we have the time, we will get that sorted.”
