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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

'What a lineup!' - Excited Arsenal fans react to what Mikel Arteta has done against Benfica

Mikel Arteta has got Arsenal fans talking with his team selection for this evening's Europa League decider against Benfica.

The round of 32 second leg tie, which is being played in Athens instead of the Emirates Stadium as per Covid-19 restrictions, is delicately poised following last week's 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

With Bukayo Saka cancelling out Pizzi's penalty, it means Arsenal go into this evening's game with a slight advantage as a goalless draw will see them progress by virtue of the away goals rule.

However, a repeat of the 1-0 reverse against Manchester City last time out will end the Gunners' participation in this season's competition and perhaps extend their Champions League absence by another year.

But in an attempt to get his side back on the winning trail and to avoid going out of the Europa League at the round of 32 stage for the second year in a row, Arteta has made several changes to the side which started against Man City.

Four to be exact.

As expected, Gabriel Magalhaes is recalled after being rested last weekend and he partners David Luiz in central defence, while Dani Ceballos and Emile Smith Rowe also start.

In fact, it's almost the same side that started the first-leg with the one execption being Kieran Tierney is at left-back instead of Cedric Soares.

Arsenal XI: Leno; Bellerin, David Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Ceballos; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang

Most of the reaction from Arsenal supporters on social media has focused around the familiarity of the team, with the general response a positive one.

Take a look at some of the best responses on Twitter...

@Irish_Gooner said: "Early goal followed by another before half time, swiftly followed by a 3rd soon into the 2nd half, will make for a little more of a relaxing evening."

@TacticalThomasP said: "Don’t lose."

@AFC_Will14 said: "Don’t care just win."

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