Arsenal will be hosting AC Milan for the 2nd Leg Of Round of 16 UEFA Europa League fixture at the Emirates on Thursday night. The Gunners hold a 2-goal advantage that they picked up in the previous tie while at the San Siro.
The Gunners arrived at the San Siro at arguably the lowest point of manager Arsene Wenger’s 22-year reign, yet responded to a run of four straight defeats with a confident and controlled display against their Italian hosts.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s first goal for the club put the Premier League side ahead, cutting in from the left to fire in with the aid of a deflection off Milan skipper Leonardo Bonucci.
Aaron Ramsey deservedly doubled their lead before half-time, collecting Mesut Ozil’s piercing pass through the centre of Milan’s defence to round keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and tap in.
Gennaro Gattuso’s men tried to spark a comeback but were far too passive throughout the 90 minutes and came close to conceding the third.
Wenger won the tactical battle over the Rossoneri and hold all the cards going into the fixture. Making the illustrious return to the Champions League can only be executed by winning this competition. Therefore, this tie should only be a formality.
However, their horrific form in recent times cannot be ruled out either with a major possibility of an upset. Wenger will have to take on the challenge with the utmost importance and here is how Arsenal might lineup on matchday.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
David Ospina is expected to take over the goalkeeping role, ahead of Petr Cech. The Columbian should find himself fielded behind the defensive quartet of Calum Chambers, Laurent Koscielny, Rob Holding and Sead Kolasinac.
Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal are expected to make a comeback but are still uncertain about their involvement.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka and Jack Wilshere are expected to fill up the holding midfield role with Alex Iwobi, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey fielded in front of the duo. Mesut Ozil’s fitness has not been confirmed as of yet.
Mohamed Elneny might make a substitute appearance if a defensive enforcer is required in the late stages.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still the first choice number nine with Alexandre Lacazette currently sidelines with a knee injury. However, the Gabon international is cup-tied and ineligible for selection. Danny Welbeck will have to take over the lone striker role with Edward Nketiah as the backup option.
