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!
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.”
