Arsenal’s predicted lineup: Thomas Partey returns to face Benfica

Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Arsenal
Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s main man returns to the midfield

Thomas Partey has been given the nod to return to action against Benfica, which is perfect for Arteta. He will, of course, want the Ghanaian international to boss the midfield against Leicester City so he will be cautious of giving him the full ninety but as far as Partey is concerned, evert minute is a step closer to full fitness again.

Granit Xhaka will obviously start alongside him, as he has been the most important and improved midfielder under Arteta. On the attacking side of things, I predict Emile Smith Rowe to be given the go ahead, mainly due to rotation purposes and the busy schedule of fixtures. Odegaard will sit thi one out.