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Chris Wheatley

Tierney returns as Gabriel continues in defence - The Arsenal team Arteta should pick vs Villarreal

Arsenal face Villarreal in their most important game of the season so far on Thursday night.

The Gunners are trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Spain, but Nicolas Pepe's penalty has given them hope of securing their place in the Europa Leaguue final in Gdansk later this month

So who would our Arsenal reporters select in their sides for the game against Villarreal? Take a look below.

Andy Ha - Network Editor

After escaping with a fortunate away goal from the first leg, Mikel Arteta faces arguably the biggest 90 minutes of his Arsenal career as he aims to steer the club into the Europa League final.

The Arsenal head coach will have several selection headaches ahead of the clash, with Mat Ryan pushing to displace Bernd Leno after the Australian's solid performance at Newcastle.

David Luiz most likely would have played if it wasn't for the hamstring injury he picked up, and his absence is a definite blow, after Arsenal's shaky display at the back in Spain.

In his absence, Rob Holding could partner Gabriel, who replaces Pablo Mari from the team last week.

At right back, Hector Bellerin's experience should see him start over Calum Chambers, who endured a difficult night in the first leg.

If Kieran Tierney is fully fit, he come straight back into the team, allowing Granit Xhaka to partner Thomas Partey in midfield.

In attack, Arteta will have to decide whether to start Nicolas Pepe or Martin Odegaard, with Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka shoe-ins.

If Alexandre Lacazette is not fully fit to start, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's timely return to full health means he would lead the line.

Andy's XI: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Aubameyang.

Chris Wheatley - Chief Arsenal Reporter

It doesn't get much bigger than this for Mikel Arteta and his side, who have the opportunity to secure a place in the Gdansk-based final later this month.

Arsenal will field a strong as possible team with both Kieran Tierney and Alexandre Lacazette returning to full training on Tuesday.

Tierney, if fit, will almost certainly return to left-back against Unai Emery's side with either Hector Bellerin or Calum Chambers featuring on the right.

Rob Holding will partner Gabriel as it seems unlikely that Pablo Mari will sit alongside him after a shaky showing in Spain.

Granit Xhaka can return to his preferred central midfield position next to Thomas Partey, while Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe are likely to start in attack.

The final selection choice which Arteta faces is over Martin Odegaard or Emile Smith Rowe, and while the latter is usually preferred I've put the Norwegian in my team as he offers an equally solid attacking threat in the final third.

Chris' XI: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey, Saka, Odegaard, Pepe; Aubameyang.

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