Predicted Arsenal line-up to face BATE Borisov in the Europa League
Arsenal will resume their Europa League campaign in the round of 32 stage against Belarus side BATE Borisov. The first leg is away at the Borisov Arena this Thursday night. Unai Emery’s men returned to winning ways in the league by edging past bottom-placed Huddersfield Town.
The Spaniard’s record in this competition has been pretty good historically. He won it with Sevilla for three consecutive years before joining PSG. Hence, the Gunners would be hoping for something similar this season.
Team News
Aaron Ramsey missed the previous game but is expected to be back for this one. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was ill over the weekend but is alright for the trip to Belarus. Mesut Ozil had the same problem but should be available for selection.
Granit Xhaka’s groin injury is taking some time to heal. The Swiss could be fit for this game, however, he is a doubt. Sokratis Papastathopoulos is expected to be back by next week. Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are suffering from long-term injuries.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Petr Cech (GK)
We could see the second choice keeper in action at this stage of the competition. Hence, Cech is expected to start.
Stephan Lichtsteiner (RB)
He was ordinary against Manchester City and was deservedly left out at the weekend. The Swiss veteran could get a chance to prove himself here though.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
Arsenal are short on options at centre-back, hence, Mustafi could keep his place.
Konstantinos Mavropanos (CB)
The youngster has recovered from his long-term injury and would be eager to play some games. Hence, we may see him start on Thursday.
Nacho Monreal (LB)
Sead Kolasinac isn’t the best option at left-back, so Monreal is expected to start there.
Mohamed Elneny (CM)
Lucas Torreira may get a game off, meaning Elneny could get a start in this game.
Matteo Guendouzi (CM)
The youngster has had a terrific first season with the club. He would be aiming to keep that going for the next three months.
Mesut Ozil (CAM)
This could be a perfect game for the German to get back into the team and showcase his quality. Ozil might play a pivotal part in Arsenal’s Europa League run.
Denis Suarez (LW)
The loanee from Barcelona might get his full debut on Thursday on the left-hand side of the attack.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)
The Armenian did very well in the last game after coming back from a long-term injury. He should get another chance to regain match fitness.
Read More: Arsenal’s wing problems would be solved if they sign this £22m Spanish magician in the summer
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)
He missed the previous game due to illness but the Gabonese international is expected to be fit to start this game.
