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[Image] Odegaard & Martinelli start, key duo ruled out: My Arsenal line-up vs Leeds

By on February 13, 2021

martin odegaard

Arsenal take on Leeds United at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. This is the team I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Bernd Leno is back after serving his suspension so obviously he’ll return in goal. Mat Ryan did well against Aston Villa on his debut but he’ll drop back to the bench tomorrow.

David Luiz is also available again after completing his ban but I hope Gabriel keeps his place alongside Rob Holding in the middle of the back four. Luiz can join Pablo Mari on the bench while Hector Bellerin should keep his place at right-back.

Kieran Tierney has been ruled out once again with a niggling knee injury, which is a big blow for Arsenal. Cedric Soares has done well enough filling in but I’d actually go with Bukayo Saka at left-back tomorrow. We need more attacking impetus down the flank and Saka linked up well with Nicolas Pepe during the second half last week.

Thomas Partey won’t be available again after suffering a thigh injury during Arsenal’s defeat at Villa. Dani Ceballos is the man who should be recalled to partner Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park with Mo Elneny on the bench.

Emile Smith Rowe has done extremely well since coming into the Arsenal side but he’s looking increasingly jaded so I’d give him a rest and hand Martin Odegaard his full debut. He’s looked lively in the cameo appearances he’s made so I’m keen to see what he can do from the start.

Pepe has been in good form down the left side of the Arsenal attack in recent weeks so I hope he keeps his place tomorrow and I’d recall Gabriel Martinelli to start on the right in place of Saka. That would leave Willian on the bench where he belongs.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should be recalled to start up front after being named on the bench recently with Alexandre Lacazette having to make-do with a place among the Arsenal substitutes.

This would be my line-up:

football formations

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