Europa league team news: How Arsenal could line up against Slavia Prague

1:30pm on Wednesday 14th April 2021
By James Shearman

Arsenal face a trip Slavia Prague on Thursday as they look to progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

The first leg finished 1-1 at the Emirates, with Tomas Holes earning the visitors a 93rd-minute equaliser.

The Gunners will still feel confident about their chances but it won't be an easy night in the Czech Republic.

Bernd Leno will play in goal, as the only consistent figure in Mikel Arteta's defence.

Gabriel and Rob Holding are the current centre-back pairing, with David Luiz set to remain on the sidelines for a few weeks.

Kieran Tierney suffered knee ligament damage which will keep him out for the rest of the season, forcing Cedric to move over from the right to cover for the Scottish left-back.

Hector Bellerin is no longer a guaranteed starter at Arsenal, but did start the first leg last week.

A central midfield of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka is one that provides great physicality in a game of real importance for the future of the football club.

Bukayo Saka has been a standout performer in, albeit, a poor season so far and should start having returned from a minor injury.

Martin Odegaard has impressed since joining on loan in January, to the detriment of youngster Emile Smith-Rowe, and has also recovered from a minor setback.

Gabriel Martinelli scored in Sunday's win over Sheffield United, so will be hoping to carry his form into this match.

Alexandre Lacazette is having arguably his best season in an Arsenal shirt and continues to ward off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the forward spot.