Arsenal await a difficult challenge in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie against Slavia Prague at the Sinobo Stadium.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, and need to score at least once if they want to progress to the semi-finals of the competition.
Arsenal’s only hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League is to win the Europa League, but Slavia Prague will fancy their chances, having scored an away goal in the first leg.
Arsenal Team News
David Luiz is not available for the Europa League clash due to a minor knee surgery he suffered earlier this month. Kieran Tierney is another crucial player who will be out for 4-6 weeks due to his knee problem.
Bukayo Saka is doubtful as he was substituted with just over 20 minutes remaining against Sheffield United in the Premier League, but he could be fit in time. Martin Odegaard is another player who is trying to be a match fit before the game, as he is managing an ankle issue.
💬 "We're all in this all together. You can see that all the time, that the team is fighting. Our performances in the last couple of weeks, the results were not the best but you cannot change it."
🗣 @Bernd_Leno pic.twitter.com/aH5xQ6vJAm
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 14, 2021
Mikel Arteta expects any of his central midfielders to be ready for selection. Aubameyang who missed the recent Premier League action is said available for selection
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Slavia Prague (4-3-3)
Defence
Bernard Leno should keep his place in goal as the back goalkeepers for Arsenal have failed to impress in the cup competitions this season. Rob Holding and Gabriel are likely to line up in the centre-back roles.
We expect Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares to take the right and left-back positions respectively.
Midfield
The duo of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are likely to play in the two central midfield roles in the Arsenal lineup. Bukayo Saka might be back in time to start in the attacking midfield role down the centre.
Slavia like to press and play proactive football, so the midfield battle will be crucial if Arsenal are to stop the hosts from playing.
Attack
Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to play on the right and left-wing respectively. The duo has the trickery, and pace to burn, and will have the pressure to deliver in the final third as Arsenal’s full-backs have failed to provide good service from the flanks.
Alexandre Lacazette could complete the Arsenal lineup as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not at his fittest.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Gabriel, Holding, Cedric; Partey, Xhaka; Martinelli, Saka, Pepe; Lacazette
