Quantcast
Home   >   Opinions   >   [Image] Martinelli starts, Saka & Partey out: My Arsenal line-up vs Olympiacos

[Image] Martinelli starts, Saka & Partey out: My Arsenal line-up vs Olympiacos

By on March 18, 2021

gabriel martinelli 2019

Arsenal take on Olympiacos in the second leg of our Europa League last-16 tie this evening. This is the team I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

We came from behind to win the first leg 3-1 so we’re in an excellent position to reach the quarter finals and I’d certainly make some changes tonight, however, Bernd Leno should keep his place in goal.

Gabriel is getting back to his best form so I’d like to see him start against Olympiacos with Rob Holding recalled in place of David Luiz. Holding hasn’t played a lot lately so I’d give him a run out tonight.

Kieran Tierney is one of Arsenal’s most important players but I’d give him a rest with Cedric Soares moving across to left-back which would allow Hector Bellerin to return at right-back.

Thomas Partey has been a little below his best in the last two games and it looks like he’s still not 100% so I’d give him a breather this evening. Mohamed Elneny could be handed a rare start but I’d rather see Dani Ceballos alongside Granit Xhaka.

Bukayo Saka will face a late fitness test after picking up a hamstring issue during Arsenal’s win over Tottenham at the weekend but he didn’t train yesterday so let’s hope Arteta doesn’t risk him. Nicolas Pepe should start in attack instead.

Martin Odegaard has been in superb form lately but I’d rest him ahead of the trip to West Ham on Sunday so Emile Smith Rowe should start in the No.10 role against Olympiacos this evening.

No doubt Mikel Arteta will start Willian but I’d love to see Gabriel Martinelli come back into the side. He’s been frozen out recently but this is a terrific opportunity to give him a start so he can hopefully get some confidence back.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was axed for Arsenal’s win over Tottenham after being late for the pre-match meeting but he’ll return this evening with Alexandre Lacazette dropping to the bench.

This would be my line-up:

football formations