Arsenal will be looking to move one step closer to securing the top spot in the UEFA Europa League Group F as they lock horns with Standard Liege on Thursday.
The Gunners are coming into this clash at the back of a strenuous 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Monday. The Belgian giants will provide yet another stern test as they look to maintain their winning record in the UEFA Europa League.
In this article, we will talk about three Standard Liege players Arsenal need to be aware of before their European encounter later this week.
Maxime Lestienne
Arguably the hottest attacker in the Belgian league at the moment, Maxime Lestienne will carry Standard Liege’s hopes as they look to breach the Arsenal defence.
The 27-year-old has already netted five goals in the Belgian top flight this season – more than anyone else in the club. Lestienne is also a well-travelled individual, who has extensive experience in European football, having played in PSV Eindhoven, Malaga and Genoa.
On the left flank, Lestienne will look to penetrate the Arsenal backline, coming up against Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Hector Bellerin, who has recently recovered from an injury.
Renaud Emond
While Lestienne will be tasked with the responsibility of providing the flair, the Standard Liege attack will be led by the club captain Renaud Emond. The 27-year-old has already scored four goals in the Jupiler League – a tally bettered only by Lestienne himself.
Emond has an imposing 1.86m figure, so he could pose a significant threat to the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding. It will be interesting to see how the Standard Liege captain combines with Anthony Limbombe and Lestienne.
However, if they can replicate their league performances in the Champions League this week, the Gunners are surely in for a tough time.
Zinho Vanheusden
Standard Liege have been boosted by the return of Zinho Vanheusden this week. The Belgian defensive sensation joined from Inter Milan this summer and is by far the most important cog in the Standard Liege backline.
Vanheusden’s return to full fitness will allow Marveille Bokadi to shift back to assuming his duties in central midfield, thus providing more solidity overall. As for the defender, himself, he is known for his imposing 1.87m stature that gives him a considerable advantage in aerial duels.
Vanheusen is also quite effective when it comes to man-marking. He will be tasked with the burden of stopping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is currently one of the most in-form attackers in Europe.
