Europa League
Apr 29, 2021 8.00pm
2
1
HT : 2 0
FT Estadio de la Cerámica
  • Manu Trigueros 5' goal
  • Raul Albiol 29' goal
  • Pau Torres 37' yellowcard
  • Etienne Capoue 68' yellowcard
  • Etienne Capoue 80' redcard
  • yellowcard Dani Ceballos 44'
  • redcard Dani Ceballos 57'
  • yellowcard Thomas Partey 58'
  • goal Nicolas Pepe 73'
  • yellowcard Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 90'

How Arsenal could line up against Villarreal

How Arsenal could line up against Villarreal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could have a fully-fit squad for the first leg of his side's Europa League semi-final with Villarreal on Thursday

Alexandre Lacazette's strong run of form came to an end as he suffered a thigh injury against Fulham, but the striker is in contention for this game, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also back but may only be considered for a spot on the bench after recovering from malaria.

Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli may battle it out to lead the line, although Folarin Balogun - who recently penned a new deal with the club - is another option, but Lacazette will hope to be given the nod if he proves his fitness.

Bukayo Saka is a shoo-in on the right, but Martin Odegaard's return to fitness could spell trouble for Emile Smith Rowe, especially seeing as Nicolas Pepe should not be dropped having registered five goals and four assists in this season's tournament so far.

Dani Ceballos and Thomas Partey ought to continue in the engine room as Granit Xhaka continues at left-back, although the Switzerland international did not cover himself in glory for Everton's winner on Friday and Kieran Tierney may be ready in time.

Calum Chambers appears to have established himself as the Gunners' first-choice right-back over Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares, while Gabriel Magalhaes will hope to demote Pablo Mari back down to the bench.

Bernd Leno's howler gifted Everton all three points at the Emirates last week, but the German is in no danger of losing his place to Mathew Ryan this week.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Chambers, Holding, Gabriel, Xhaka; Partey, Ceballos; Saka, Odegaard, Pepe; Lacazette

> Click here to see how Villarreal could line up for this clash

POLL
Who will win Thursday's Europa League clash between Villarreal and Arsenal?
Villarreal 34%
Draw 19%
Arsenal 47%
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