Arsenal will face Zurich in the opening round of the Europa League, as they travel to Letzigrund Stadium on Thursday evening. The Gunners will come into the match on the back of a poor 3-1 defeat against Manchester United in their last Premier League fixture which put an end to their winning streak since the beginning of this campaign. They will be looking to bounce back from the loss in this away encounter.
Mikel Arteta will opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation but he’ll need to switch things up as several players remain sidelined due to injury setbacks. Matt Turner will probably feature in goal as he has been handed a debut for the club after Aaron Ramsdale shook off a thigh problem at Old Trafford.
4-2-3-1 Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs Zurich
Defence
Matt Turner will operate in between the sticks for the upcoming away encounter. The American shot-stopper would hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Thursday. Gabriel Magalhaes will form the centre-half partnership with Rob Holding at the heart of Arsenal’s backline.
Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also available to start in the wide areas, so Arteta could give them the nod over Zinchenko and Ben White as both of them take a spot on the bench.
Midfield
The lack of midfield options should see Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more defensive role.
Martin Odegaard could be given a break as Fabio Viera makes a full debut this time. The attacking midfielder will be accompanied by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on either side, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Emile Smith Rowe picked up a problem after the clash against the Red Devils, so he might remain sidelined for this Europa League fixture. So Matt Smith might be given the opportunity to impress in the latter half after being included in the senior squad this season.
Attack
Eddie Nketiah will lead the line against the opposition on Thursday. The 23-year-old striker will fancy his chances of finding the back of the net when he faces off against Zurich’s backline.
Gabriel Jesus will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he might be called upon in the latter stages of the game if needed.
