Arsenal will be at home to Slavia Prague in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal. What kind of playing eleven will take to the Emirates?
The Gunners need to get a win and ensure that they do not concede any away goals. Doing this will make the second leg that much more comfortable. Mikel Arteta will have to rotate his squad to ensure that the challenge of Slavia can be dealt with.
Losing to Liverpool on Saturday was not ideal preparation for this game and the club need to pick themselves up. They have the talent to do so and will be looking to get the hosts an advantage.
Arteta will have his men line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and it will be the usual presence of Bernd Leno in goal. The full backs will consist of Hector Bellerin and Cedric. The injury to Kieran Tierney means that the Portuguese has to fill in for him. In the centre of defence, it will once again be the pair of Rob Holding and Gabriel who will control the back line.
Moving ahead to the midfield, one player who is guaranteed to start is Thomas Partey. Along with him we can expect to see Granit Xhaka back in the playing eleven after missing out at the weekend. These two will be crucial in helping the North Londoners set the tempo of the game.
As for the three that play in front of the central duo, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be on the bench this time. In his place, it will be Nicolas Pepe switching from the right flank to the left. He will have Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka start along with him. This gives the hosts a fluid trio that can create chances.
Alexander Lacazette will continue to lead the line for Arsenal, and will have to step up, for the club to win. He is capable of bringing in others into the game and that makes him even more dangerous for Slavia to deal with. Though the visitors might present a challenge, the home side should get the win.
Arsenal Playing XI Against Slavia Prague (4-2-3-1):
Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Gabriel, Cedric, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette
