Arsenal take on Napoli in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday at the Emirates.
The Gunners have been dominant at home this season, both in the Premier League and Europe, and will look to take a healthy first leg advantage against Napoli on Thursday.
But Napoli represent the biggest test in this season’s competition yet for Unai Emery’s side, who will be left with a mountain to climb in the second leg in Italy if they fail to get a positive result at the Emirates.
Granit Xhaka is currently recovering from groin injury and is expected to miss out the home tie against Napoli. The same goes for Laurent Koscielny as well, with the Frenchman out of action since mid-March.
Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are all still recovering from the long-term injuries they sustained earlier in the season.
Cech is Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper and should start against Napoli on Thursday.
The youngster has cemented his place in the team since Hector Bellerin’s injury. Maitland-Niles’ performances have been incredibly impressive in recent weeks and deserves to start the game.
Mustafi continues to be shaky at the back but with Koscielny doubtful, Emery has no option but to place his faith in the German defender.
Sokratis has been outstanding since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund. His leadership and positional awareness at the back will be crucial to keep an exciting Napoli side at bay.
Monreal is a reliable defender on his day but if the Gunners are to keep a clean sheet in the first leg, the Spaniard has to be at the top of his game.
At left wing-back, Kolasinac remains an undoubted starter for Arsenal. The Bosnian is blessed with loads of energy, stamina and pace and usually thrives without any defensive burden.
The Gunners have sorely missed Torreira’s energy and intensity in recent weeks in the Premier League. However, the diminutive Uruguayan is expected to start with Xhaka doubtful.
Guendouzi is a player who never stops running, oozes self-confidence and seems to gel very well with his teammates. He is likely to partner Torreira in the middle of the park.
Given the fact that Napoli are such a good pressing side, Ramsey will have to drop deeper and initiate attacks. The Welshman’s presence will be a crucial if the Gunners are to win on Thursday.
Mkhitaryan has been good since the turn of the year for the Gunners but after a hot and cold performance in the defeat at Everton, the Armenian will need to step up and deliver against Napoli.
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Lacazette squandered some key chances at Everton and he’ll be desperate to make amends in the crunch Europa League game.