Arsenal vs Valencia Predictions: Arsenal FC Line-up

Arsenal welcome Valencia at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday as Unai Emery looks to put behind the disappointing results in recent weeks.

The Gunners’ chances of playing in next season’s Champions League are now on the line as they got beaten 3-0 by Leicester City at the weekend. They are fifth in the table and have very less chances of getting a Premier League top four finish.

However, they can still qualify for the Champions League by winning the UEFA Europa League this season and Unai Emery will look to take his team to the Promised Land.

Team News

Mesut Ozil is currently a doubt for the match having missed the Gunners’ defeat to Leicester with a foot injury.

Nacho Monreal also missed the game at the King Power Stadium with a calf injury and is doubtful for the upcoming game.

Probable Arsenal XI

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Manager: Unai Emery

Petr Cech (GK)

Cech has been Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper this season and will need to be at his best to keep a clean-sheet.

Shkodran Mustafi (RCB)

Mustafi has been hit and miss this campaign but with Monreal doubtful, the German will get a chance in central defence.

Laurent Koscielny (CB)

The skipper’s leadership and organisation at the back will be very important as the Gunners aim to keep a clean-sheet at home.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (LCB)

Sokratis has arguably been Arsenal’s best defender this season. He’s presence in the pitch will be required if the Gunners are to beat Valencia.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RWB)

Maitland-Niles was unlucky to receive two yellows in the defeat at Leicester. However, his suspension in the league doesn’t count in Europe; thus, he’ll be involved in the game.

Sead Kolasinac (LWB)

Kolasinac is a beast of a player, who excels in a role at left wing-back.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

Xhaka found it difficult to get going against Leicester at the weekend. However, he’ll be raring to make a mark on Thursday.

Lucas Torreira (CM)

Torreira’s form has dipped massively in the last few weeks. Yet, he remains one of Emery’s trusted players and will start against the Spanish outfit.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (CAM)

Mkhitaryan has gone off-colour in recent weeks. With Ozil doubtful, the Armenian’s creativity will be of massive importance in a crucial game for the Gunners in the Europa League.

Alexandre Lacazette (LS)

Lacazette missed a couple of gilt-edged chances at Leicester but will be itching to get on the score-sheet against Valencia in mid-week.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (RS)

Aubameyang’s pace, direct running and energy in the final third will be required if the Gunners are to take a positive result to Spain next week.