Arsenal predicted XI v Villarreal: Leno stars, Martinelli benched

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Arsenal must overcome a 2-1 first leg deficit this evening when they welcome Unai Emery’s Villarreal to North London.

The Gunners were largely second best in Spain last week and have work to do if they are to win a place in the final.

Boss Mikel Arteta will know that his team’s best chance of playing in Europe next season will come through winning the Europa League.

Ahead of tonight’s clash, we look at the team which Arteta might call upon this evening.

In goal and back four

Bernd Leno looks likely to be restored between the posts. The £100,000-a-week player was rested on Sunday, with Mat Ryan taking his place.

Kieran Tierney is recovering well from an injury and should start at left-back too, whilst Calum Chambers might come in at right-back.

At centre-back, Rob Holding could partner Pablo Mari, with both players keeping their place from the first leg last week.

Midfield

Dani Ceballos is suspended and that could see Granit Xhaka revert to his natural midfield berth after a spell playing as a left-back.

Alongside him, it seems for all the world as though Thomas Partey will keep his place.

Mohamed Elneny has been in good form of late but might have to settle for a place on the bench.

In attack

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks likely to return to the fold as Arteta’s striker.

In the No.10 role, Martin Odegaard will look to provide some inspiration as the Gunners know they must score at least once on the night.

Bukayo Saka is the man for a big occasion and could start on the right.

On the left, Nicolas Pepe has been in good form recently and he should get the nod ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.

Here is how tonight’s team might look: