Arsenal take on Olympiacos away from home in the Europa League Round of 32 and the manager is expected to make some big reshuffles to his starting line-up.
Against Newcastle United, Dani Ceballos got a rare start for Arsenal in midfield which was a sign that the loanee’s time at the Emirates is not yet over.
The combination of Ceballos and Mesut Ozil had a real positive impact against Newcastle United and so the manager was promptly asked if the pairing will once again take the field against Olympiacos on Thursday.
And to this, the manager said: “It depends on how they train and how they perform, but I thought Dani was ideal for this game in that game position today.
“The way he’s been training he completely deserves a chance, and I’m so glad with his performance.”
Another player who has seen a real upward graph under the new manager is Nicolas Pepe and the manager has hinted that the Ivorian could once again start for the Gunners since he needs consistency in his play.
The manager had said after the Newcastle United win: “We just need consistency from him.
“Wide talented players in this league is not easy to get because obviously the most difficult thing to do is create things, but we’ve said some things and we need Nico to maintain game by game.
“He knows that and it’s the way he was applying himself defensively in a few moments, he was top drawer. That’s what he wasn’t doing in the past and when he does that, the rewards in the other box come. He made a difference today.”
And finally, the player who has the most doubts over his selection right now is Matteo Gunedouzi who was left out of the NUFC matchday squad after the midfielder had a scuffle with his manager on the training pitch.
And when Arteta was asked about the possibility of selecting the Frenchman vs Olympiacos, here’s what he had to say.
The Arsenal boss told in his press conference: “I just make my team selection and the squad is selected in regards to how they play, how they train and how they behave. Every week it will be different.
“One week it will be on reason, another week it will be another reason.
“It was about the way we train, the way we play, the way we live. I want the best players for the game and I select them in relation to what I see on a daily basis.”
Verdict on Arsenal team selection:
There’s a massive chance that Dani Ceballos could get another start for the Gunners in midfield but we don’t think the manager will be using the services of Matteo Guendouzi against Olympiacos on Thursday.
Granit Xhaka is expected to be dropped to the bench as the Swiss international will hopefully make way for Lucas Torreira.
Nicolas Pepe put his name on the scoresheet vs the Magpies and the winger too should get another chance to shine for the Gunners.
