Predicted Arsenal XI to face Qarabag in the Europa League
Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 21 games across all competitions with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the Premier League on Saturday, thanks to Lucas Torreira’s late winner.
The Gunners currently sit atop the table in Group C and they will be the outright favourites to claim all three points when they play host to Qarabag FK for the last of the group games in the UEFA Europa League.
Unai Emery made radical changes to his first-team in the 3-0 humbling of Vorskla in the last game and one can expect the same for this one as well.
Team News
Shkodran Mustafi is sidelined with a hamstring issue while Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil will be pushing for a return. Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are set to spend a long time on the sidelines with serious injuries while Konstantinos Mavropanos is not yet fully fit. Aaron Ramsey is also doubtful to feature on Thursday due to an ankle injury.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Predicted XI
1. Petr Cech (GK)
The former Chelsea man has fallen out of favour in the Premier League but he will have the cup competitions to prove his worth.
2. Carl Jenkinson (RB)
He played in the last Europa League game and fared pretty well at the back.
3. Sokratis (CB)
The Greek international is suspended for the Premier League fixture against Southampton, which should prompt Emery to hand him a start for this one.
4. Laurent Koscielny (CB)
He was on the bench against Huddersfield Town and this will be a good opportunity for Emery to ease him back into action.
5. Nacho Monreal (LB)
The Europa League should provide the ideal opportunity for the Spaniard to make his comeback from injury.
6. Granit Xhaka (CDM)
The Swiss international hasn’t played much part in the Europa League so far but he might get a start for this one.
7. Mohamed Elneny (CDM)
The Egyptian hasn’t had a chance in the Premier League but has impressed with his passing and distribution in the Europa League.
8. Emile Smith Rowe (CAM)
The youngster has proven his worth in the Europa League this season and Emery should continue to rely on him.
9. Joe Willock (LW)
He got his name on the scoresheet against Vorskla and sparked creativity into the attack from the wide areas.
10. Alex Iwobi (RW)
The Nigerian came on as a substitute against Huddersfield which might be an indication that he will start in the Europa League.
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11. Eddie Nketiah (ST)
He spearheaded the attack well against Vorskla and deserves another opportunity.
