Arsenal’s league campaign is all but over following a disappointing duo of games at The Emirates Stadium which saw the team draw 1-1 with Fulham and lose 1-0 to Everton. The Gunners are seriously struggling for goals from open play currently, but they will hope to find some rhythm again against Newcastle on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta will be focussed on the biggest game of his tenure on Thursday, when his Arsenal side will attempt to overturn a 2-1 deficit suffered in the first leg vs. Villarreal set up a Europa League final with Manchester United, who will surely advance after taking a 6-2 advantage into their second leg in Rome.
Have a look how I think we could line up for the game below. Disagree? Create your Arsenal XI at the bottom of this article.
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
Leno needs to get his head in the game ahead of the crucial return leg against Villarreal. The German could be the difference between Arsenal making the final or not, so it’s crucial he returns to his best form.
Defenders: Hector Bellerin, David Luiz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cedric Soares
It could be a completely different back four for this game. Luiz is fit again and he partners up well with Gabriel, it could be a trial partnership ahead of Thursday. Bellerin and Cedric are fresh options at full-back and Tierney could be on the bench and play some minutes to build up match fitness ahead of Thursday.
Midfielders: Mohammed Elneny, Dani Ceballos; Nicolas Pepe, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli
Partey and Xhaka have played a lot recently and Arteta could use this as a chance to rest the duo. Ceballos will be suspended for Thursday, so it makes sense to keep him in the team. Martinelli will surely come into the starting lineup for this one. Mikel may want to protect both Odegaard and Saka ahead of the crucial tie on Thursday.
Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Auba had a golden chance to level the tie for Arsenal on Thursday and Arteta will be keen to get his captain back in the groove ahead of Thursday. He needs 60 minutes or so, following his recovery from Malaria.
How would you line up? Create your XI below and share it on social media!