Arsenal v Benfica is the game that will define our season thus far and with the Gunners’ failure to gain a proper advantage in the first leg, they need to deliver a full-blooded performance against a side that has no intention of going out of the Europa League.
I expect a fairly cagey game because of its significance, but what I’d like is Arsenal to grab this tie by the scruff of the neck and take the fight to the Portuguese side by offering an attacking masterclass. Chances will be few due to Benfica’s organised defence and Arsenal will have to make them count if they are to progress to the next round of the Europa League.
The key to this Europa League clash, perhaps, is Thomas Partey if fully fit, he has the class and quality to mop up and galvanise this, sometimes timid and indecisive, team to get the win, but it will depend on the service and ability to put the ball firmly in the net. I’d expect a front three if we are going to steal the Arsenal v Benfica game but if it’s down to a lone striker and a packed midfield, Mikel Arteta’s men might come unstuck.
Yes, there’s a train of thought for packing out the middle but if the Gunners’ opponents get a goal on the counter, which is entirely possible, Benfica will shut the doors. This struggle to take advantage has been a feature of Arsenal’s season so far, a series of half-chances going begging and results eventually going against them.
The defence will also have to be solid and focused to avoid giving away needless and senseless free-kicks in the danger areas and refrain from sticking a misplaced and mistimed foot to concede a penalty. I’d go for a back four with perhaps the two wing-backs slightly in advance and my choice, however strange it may seem, for the central defence would be Mari and Luiz because although it may not appear perfect, experience and calm is required.
Mari performs solidly and has an abundance of composure and Luiz knows his way around these often fraught competitions at the highest level. I’d also go for Cedric on the right and Tierney on the left to give width and pace going forward, but once they have released the ball quickly over the halfway line, they need to focus on defence.
If Partey is back, then the natural partner is Xhaka without question, add to that Ceballos or Odegaard to provide the craft and service and I think we are in good shape. Yes, I’d rest Smith Rowe, we need him in the Premier League and by avoiding fatigue, he could prove decisive in the remaining games.
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Saka has to start and I’d go with experience in the form of Lacazette and Aubameyang, yes, they’ve both fluffed chances but you need them for a game as important as this. In terms of tactics, the Gunners need to be direct, with a relentless attacking mentality from a high press but again, they will have to be mindful of getting caught on the counter.
I believe the Arsenal v Benfica game is there for the taking and Arteta will have made his feelings known as to what he expects from this frustratingly inconsistent side. As a result, I expect at least two goals from the Gunners and rather optimistically, a clean sheet. 2-0 isn’t out of the question or beyond this side. Time to deliver or the season will be reduced to a rather pointless run in to conclude the Premier League.
Preferred Side: Leno; Cedric, Luiz, Mari, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey/Ceballos, Odegaard; Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
