Arsenal face CSKA Moscow in the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday. The Gunners go into this game on an optimistic note after enjoying a confidence-boosting win against Stoke City over the weekend.
Arsene Wenger’s men do not have much left to fight for in the Premier League and it is imperative that they win the Europa League and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
As per early team news, Alexandre Lacazette might sit this one out. Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible to play for the club in the Europa League this season which could leave Arsenal in a worrisome position. Furthermore, Petr Cech is also a doubt since he is down with a groin injury.
Ospina has been the preferred keeper in the Europa League and should retain his place in the team.
Monreal has been putting in some impressive displays lately and he was a solid presence for the Gunners against AC Milan and Stoke. The player should be handed a start once more.
The young centre-back has done quite well in the place of Laurent Koscielny. Should start this game.
Mustafi has assumed a leadership role in the heart of the defence and he has worked admirably with Chambers in recent times.
Bellerin should complete the defence at right-back as usual.
Xhaka came on as a substitute against Stoke but he could land a starting role for this game. His experience will prove to be crucial towards establishing control in the midfield area.
If Wenger goes ahead with a 4-2-3-1, Elneny might be deployed alongside Xhaka in the heart of the midfield.
Wilshere’s performance against Stoke was quite poor but he continues to be a crucial member of the squad.
Mkhitaryan only made a substitute appearance against Stoke but he should start this game.
Ozil’s creativity remains unparalleled in the squad and he should start on the right-wing.
Welbeck played on the left-wing against Stoke and while that performance was nothing short of a disaster, one must note that he performed well against AC Milan in both legs. Thus, with Aubameyang unavailable and Lacazette doubtful, Welbeck should lead the line.
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