UEL Round of 32 1st Leg: Benfica vs Arsenal | Thursday 18th February |20:00 | BT Sport

[Riou]

What's your alternative suggestion?

A one off game at a neutral venue, instead of two...plus no away goals.

Considering everything that is going on, I think that would be best.

 

[Yousif Arsenal]

I'm not sure Arteta will rotate going back to CL now only by winning europa our team on paper capable of doing it so we got nothing to lose.

 

[tap-in]

A one off game at a neutral venue, instead of two...plus no away goals.

Considering everything that is going on, I think that would be best.

I disagree with a one off game. All other teams will play 2 legs, therefore we have to do the same. I do think the away goals rule is crazy for this game but its the same with 2 legs, it has to be the same for all teams remaining.

 

[Riou]

I disagree with a one off game. All other teams will play 2 legs, therefore we have to do the same. I do think the away goals rule is crazy for this game but its the same with 2 legs, it has to be the same for all teams remaining.

I meant one off games for all teams in Europe this season, would have been a good way to reduce the schedule for the players...considering the amount of football being played this year in a compressed period.

 

[AberGooner]

I think we will see more rotation than that perhaps. Looking at the fixture list, there is a lot of games. Pepe will probably get a runout I would think.

Perhaps but this now our most important game of the season, can rotate after this in the league.

 

[A_G]

Ok what's the backstory of jeans and boots on this thread

say yes wears bootcut jeans.

 

[Penn_]

I disagree with a one off game. All other teams will play 2 legs, therefore we have to do the same. I do think the away goals rule is crazy for this game but its the same with 2 legs, it has to be the same for all teams remaining.

It should be two legs still but away goals here is redundant and should be scraped for any neutral ties.

 

[Sapient Hawk]

Haven't watched Benfica at all this season, so I'm going in with zero knowledge and no expectations.

If it's a team that's been doing nominally well we might see an Arsenal side not inclined to put in a cowardly shift.

If it's a side that's been abysmal for most of the season & has sought Divine Providence, Charity FC shall be there to accommodate the revival of their fortunes.

 

[Trilly]

Let’s batter the Wolves and City feeder team.

Just so we’re clear this is the away leg which is being played in the Stadio Olimpico, Rome.

Benfica are bang out of form in the Portuguese league as well. A lot of flop signings and a CB pairing of an OAP Vertonghen and Otamendi. Yikes.

Leno
Bellerin - Holding - Gabriel - Tierney
Xhaka - Ceballos
Saka - ESR - Pepe
Auba

Noticed a lot of people dropping Ødegaard instead of ESR. Is Martin cup-tied or something?

 

[A_G]

Noticed a lot of people dropping Ødegaard instead of ESR. Is Martin cup-tied or something?

He's in the EL squad, people are just thinking (or hoping) Pepe was simply rested for Leeds and will come back in.

 

[Rex Stone]

Noticed a lot of people dropping Ødegaard instead of ESR. Is Martin cup-tied or something?

I’ll be honest I forgot MØ played for us when I made the match thread so yeah guess he could start as well.

 

[Macho]

I've actually enjoyed the Europa side of things this season, hopefully that continues.

 

[GoonerJay24]

Leno
Bellerin Luiz Gabriel Tierney
Xhaka Ceballos
Saka ESR Pepe
Lacazette

Play this front four against Benfica then start Auba and Martinelli up front against City with Ødegaard in the 10.

 

[Red London]

Why does it feel like 1996 in here?

The year I was born, I miss those days.

 

[Trilly]

He's in the EL squad, people are just thinking (or hoping) Pepe was simply rested for Leeds and will come back in.

Yeah would be very harsh/weird to drop him considering his recent form and Arteta’s comments.

My hope is that we’re seeing some Guardiola style rotation now that we have more quality options than positions.

 

[Taylor Gang Gunners]

Ith mad becuth... all I thee is bootcuths.

 

[Rex Stone]

Yeah would be very harsh/weird to drop him considering his recent form and Arteta’s comments.

My hope is that we’re seeing some Guardiola style rotation now that we have more quality options than positions.

Nah **** that. I can’t deal with three rotation frauds in fantasy.

 

[TromsoGooner]

Drop Luiz and Bellerin for Holding and Cambers and keep the rest of the side the same as yesterday.

Yeah, we should obviously start a player that hasn`t played for over a year in our most important game of the season so far.

 

[Arsenal1508]

Leno
Bellerin Luiz Gabriel Tierney
Xhaka Ceballos
Saka ESR Pepe
Lacazette

Play this front four against Benfica then start Auba and Martinelli up front against City with Ødegaard in the 10.

You mad? Auba just scored a hatrick. Need to see if he can build on momentum. Lacazette is one of of his dry spells.

 

[Rimaal]

The year I was born, I miss those days.

Really, that old! By your posts I would have guessed you were born yesterday.