Cedric's biggest test yet
Cedric has deputised for Kieran Tierney at left-back in the past few games but he faces a mammoth task on Thursday night against the likes of Alex Grimaldo and namesake Everton Soares.
Grimaldo has 24 assists since the start of the 2019/19 season and is one of Benfica's most dangerous players, with a tendency to cross in from the left hand side and create chance for his team-mates.
Portuguese defender Cedric knows Arsenal's opposition well following his time at Benfica's rivals Sporting and said before the game that there are many differences from playing in his usual right-back position.
"Yes it's quite a different experience. Of course I did it before and played there at Southampton for a few games.
"It's a little bit different to be play on the right but we need to have this capacity of adapting and if the coach needs us there we need to be prepared.
"This is what I try to do, to be ready for it and try to adapt my qualities for this position and help the team to achieve the best result that we can get."
Auba set to take advantage
Benfica have an ageing backline which includes two former Premier League stalwarts in Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen.
Aubameyang will be able to take advantage of the lack of pace in Benfica's defence, with the Arsenal captain in good form coming off the back of scoring a hattrick against Leeds.
The Gabon striker flourished with Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard supporting him in attack and if the Gunners are to get a positive result in Portugal then it's vital those three are involved from the start.
Ryan's chance to impress?
Arsenal are expected to sign Mat Ryan on a permanent deal this summer and the Australian could get another chance to impress at the Stadio Di Olimpico.
The on-loan Brighton shot stopper had an impressive game in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa recently and he'll be hoping to feature again on Thursday night.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will face a decision over playing Bernd Leno or Ryan in goal, but could be persuaded by Ryan's recent confident performance at Villa Park.
Rest or rotate
The biggest dilemma on Arteta's hands ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester City is whether to rest players with a view to the weekend's match.
It seems likely that the Spaniard will go full strength against Benfica knowing full well that Champions League qualification appears to be slipping away from the Gunners.
Aubameyang and Saka are expected to start in Rome, while Kieran Tierney could get some minutes after making his long-awaited return from injury.
In midfield Granit Xhaka is likely to partner Dani Ceballos, who impressed with his direct passing and running against Leeds.
