Arsenal predicted lineup vs Molde: Dani Ceballos returns to starting lineup

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have a fantastic opportunity to put one foot in the knockout stages of the Europa League on Thursday when they host Molde at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s side go into the game off the back of a superb win at Manchester United at the weekend. And keeping the momentum going by winning this week may leave Arteta with more scope to spring a few surprises for the final couple of group games.

There are still likely to be changes for this week – perhaps even 11 of them. But, Arteta will surely opt for a strong side that should still be favourites for the win.

The most notable change may perhaps involve Dani Ceballos. Ceballos – who earns £52,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – has not started either of Arsenal’s last two games.

The performances of Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey meant that he was not used at all at the weekend. But Elneny and Partey may be given a well-deserved rest, with Joe Willock – who was superb against Dundalk last week – coming in alongside Ceballos in the middle of the park.

They should be given license to focus on getting forward thanks to a back three of Shkodran Mustafi, Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cedric Soares will likely return to the wing-back roles. And it may be a front three of Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.

With that in mind, here is a look at the predicted lineup in full…