Arsenal will look to overturn a 2-1 deficit, when they take on Villarreal in the second-leg of the Europa League semi-finals at the Emirates stadium.
The North London club struggled big time on their trip to Spain with the only consolation being the Nicolas Pepe goal in the second half. This crucial away goal might ultimately turn out to be the saviour.
Winning the Europa League is the Gunners only hope of playing European football next season and they will have to give it their best shot. We can expect a lot of changes from the midweek game against Newcastle United.
The Emirates club are likely to stick with Arteta’s favourite 4-2-3-1 formation. Mathew Ryan will find himself on the bench after making his third start for the Gunners on Sunday. Bernd Leno will take his place between the sticks.
David Luiz suffered a hamstring injury against the Magpies and is unlikely to get a start. Rob Holding will start after being rested for the weekend game. Gabriel Magalhães will be the preferred choice ahead of Pablo Mari following his disciplined performance on Sunday.
Granit Xhaka will keep his place at left-back as Kieran Tierney hasn’t fully recovered yet. Hector Bellerin will take the other spot on the right.
Dani Ceballos is suspended, so Mohamed Elneny will replace him in the starting line-up. Thomas Partey will partner Elneny in the midfield pivot. Martin Odegaard will be the creative force from the midfield for the Gunners.
Gabriel Martinelli and Willian put in a decent shift on Sunday, but they are expected to make way for Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe. The duo will be tasked to stretch the opposition with their pace and creativity.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start upfront and the Gabon international will have to induce some life into Arsenal’s struggling offense. He looked lively in front of goal over the weekend and will be expected to repeat the same on Thursday.
Predicted Arsenal Line-Up Against Villarreal (4-2-3-1):
Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhães, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
