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Bernd Leno of Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal progressed through to the round of 16 in the Europa League but by narrow margins. They left it until late to secure the win over Benfica and in true Gunners fashion, left the fans with their hearts in their mouths.
Still, all’s well that ends well. Now, Arsenal look to have some of the same fortune against a side they’ve been unlucky against before, Olympiacos. To increase his chances, Arteta will need to field his strongest possible XI.
Arsenal’s number one is the first name on the team sheet
Bernd Leno started both matches against Benfica and he won’t lose his place in the starting lineup. The Germany international has been in good form of late but he will be hopeful of a clean sheet to show for it since it’s been a long time.
There is a chance that his backup Ryan could start in this match but unless Arteta is willing to take the risk on perhaps his only chance of silverware, I think Leno will start in the first leg at least.
Pablo Mari</a>, David Luiz and Kieran Tierney will start the match. This provides the Gunners with plenty of attacking flair (much more than Chambers would provide) and a solid foundation in the centre of defence.</p>
<p>This is their strongest possible defensive lineup, I would argue.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2021/03/08/olympiacos-arsenal-lineup-aubameyang/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> One loanee replaces the other </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-482438" src=https://playingfor90.com/2021/03/08/olympiacos-arsenal-lineup-aubameyang/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F04%2F1223328648-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Dani Ceballos, Arsenal (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Ceballos returns to the starting XI</h2>
<p>Martin Odegaard has been in good form but purely for squad rotation purposes, I think Arteta will go with Dani Ceballos in the midfield. He will act as the anchor between midfield and attack with his flair qualities coming in handy to carve opportunities.</p>
<p>In the heart of midfield will see another change, with Granit Xhaka given a much-needed rest. He was looking shaky against Burnley and will be very much required for the game against Tottenham, so a rest will serve him well. Instead, Mohamed Elneny will start alongside Thomas Partey.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2021/03/08/olympiacos-arsenal-lineup-aubameyang/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Arsenal's most dynamic attacking three </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-485576" src=https://playingfor90.com/2021/03/08/olympiacos-arsenal-lineup-aubameyang/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1202832486-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal’s most dynamic attacking three</h2>
<p>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the only Arsenal scorer as they flumped against Burnley at the weekend, so I think he should start in this match. While it could also be wise to start Lacazette, I think the Frenchman will remain on the bench. Auba will be hungry for a goal given what happened last season in this fixture (I prefer not to speak).</p>
<p>Alongside Auba will be the trusty and electrifying duo of Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe, both of which in good form lately. Especially in this competition, the front three of Auba, Saka and Pepe tends to thrive. But at the same time, if the likes of Martinelli or Lacazette are given the chance, I wouldn’t be disheartened.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="3 things learned as Arsenal held to Burnley stalemate" data-url="https://playingfor90.com/2021/03/06/burnley-1-1-arsenal-var-outrage/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2021/03/08/olympiacos-arsenal-lineup-aubameyang/"https://playingfor90.com/2021/03/06/burnley-1-1-arsenal-var-outrage/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> 3 things learned as Arsenal held to Burnley stalemate </a> </div>
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<p>How do you think Arsenal should line up to face Olympiacos?</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
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