Arsenal is getting ready to resume action in the Europa League on Thursday with a Round of 32 1st Leg match v S.L. Benfica. Due to COVD-19 travel restrictions, in and out of the UK, the match will be played in Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Benfica is a talented side. 19 matches into their Primeira Liga season, the Portuguese side is currently 4th in their league, winning 11, drawing 5 and losing just 3 matches. As in any European knockout competition, the sledding will be a challenging ride down the hill for the Gunners.
On the other side of this match, the Gunners will have just a few days to prepare for Premier League-leading Manchester City at The Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
However, before we get to that match, let’s focus on the one on Thursday.
With that said, here is who I think Mikel Arteta will start vs S.L. Benfica…
[4-2-3-1]
Lacazette
Pepe, Odegaard, Willian
Xhaka, Elneny
Soares, Mari, Holding, Bellerin
Ryan
Predicted final score…
Benfica 1 – ARSENAL 3
COYG!
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