Mikel Arteta’s team selection for tonight’s Europa League round of 32 first-leg fixture against Benfica has got a number of Arsenal fans talking.
The Gunners should be in a confident mood on the back of a much-needed 4-2 win over Leeds United on Sunday afternoon night as they ended a run of three games without a win.
However, despite that win which has moved them back into the top half of the Premier League table, Arsenal are still eight points off the Champions League places.
As things stand, Arsenal‘s best chance of sealing a return to the Champions League after a long four-year absence will be to win the Europa League.
And in an attempt to ensure his side take a decent result into next week’s second leg, Arteta has resisted making any changes to the team which started against Leeds.
That means the fit-again Kieran Tierney is amongst the substitutes.
Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – fresh off his first Premier League hat-trick – leads the line once again with Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, and Bukayo Saka providing support from midfield.
On a strong-looking Arsenal bench once again are the likes of Willian, Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal XI: Leno; Bellerin, David Luiz, Gabriel, Cedric; Ceballos, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang
Most of the reaction from Arsenal supporters on social media has centered around Arteta taking no chances with his team selection tonight.
Take a look at some of the best responses on Twitter…
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@afctemp said: “Killing the tie early!”
@AfcKiko said: “What a lineup.”
@FplSparta said: “What a lineup. We are winning 5-0.”