Matteo Guendouzi has returned to the starting XI for Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League Round of 32 contest against Olympiacos, while Gabriel Martinelli also starts.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made five changes to the lineup that started in the 4-0 win against Newcastle United for their UEFA Europa League Round of 32 contest against Olympiacos at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
The first change comes in defence with Hector Bellerin dropping out of the starting lineup with Sokratis coming into the side against his former club. The Greek defender slots in at the heart of the Arsenal backline alongside David Luiz, while Shkodran Mustafi moves to right-back. Bukayo Saka is retained on the left side, while Bernd Leno continues in goal.
? Five changes from Sunday’s win…
➡️ Sokratis, Guendouzi, Willock, Martinelli, Lacazette
⬅️ Bellerin, Ceballos, Ozil, Pepe, Nketiah? #UEL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 20, 2020
Matteo Guendouzi returns in the middle of the park for Arsenal. The Frenchman had been axed from the squad for the last game after Arteta had grown unhappy with his attitude in training, but the youngster returns against Olympiacos to partner Granit Xhaka. Joe Willock slots in the No. 10 role in the absence of Mesut Ozil, who did not make the trip to Greece due to personal reasons.
Gabriel Martinelli gets a start on the right flank for Arsenal at the expense of Nicolas Pepe, while club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues on the opposite wing. Alexandre Lacazette starts as the lone striker after ending his goal-drought against Newcastle last weekend.
Arsenal Confirmed XI: Leno; Mustafi, Sokratis, Luiz, Saka; Guendouzi, Xhaka; Martinelli, Willock, Aubameyang; Lacazette