After a mediocre start to the league campaign, Arsenal have now won their last three games and are back on track in the Premier League. But Unai Emery would now have to turn his attention to the Europa League, where Arsenal meet Ukrainian side FC Vorskla Poltava on Thursday. Vorskla have lost four and won four of their eight league games so far and should not trouble a quality Arsenal squad, especially at Emirates.
The Gunners would want to get over the line without much damage but playing a side of relative unknowns can never be easy. Emery is expected to rest a host of his first-team stars for this game.
Team News:
In early team news, the Gunners will be without Sead Kolasinac, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Carl Jenkinson and Laurent Koscielny, all of whom are long-term absentees. Aaron Ramsey is down with fatigue and should not be risked for this game.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Petr Cech will finally be given a rest as Bernd Leno, who has been waiting for his official Arsenal debut, would get his chance to impress in this Europa League tie. Shkodran Mustafi might have to play thrice in a week due to injury issues. He could start at the back alongside Rob Holding, who has been an unused substitute in every game for Arsenal so far.
Stephan Lichtsteiner has seen just 55 minutes of action so far this season. He should give Nacho Monreal a rest and start in the left-back role. Hector Bellerin might have to continue in his right-back role, due to lack of options for Emery.
Midfield:
Mohamed Elneny has also not been used regularly this season and could give Granit Xhaka a rest for this week’s clash. Lucas Torreira came off the bench and made a difference against the Magpies. He deserves a start in the midfield alongside Elneny in this Europa League tie.
Mesut Ozil needs to find some form quickly and might get an hour from the start on Thursday.
Attack:
Danny Welbeck is yet to make a start for the Gunners this season but should get his chance against Vorskla. He could lead the line for Arsenal while Alex Iwobi, who did not even make the squad at the weekend, could start on the left flank.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who only came off the bench at St James’ Park will add some experience to this Arsenal attack on the right flank.
Here is how they might line up:
