Unai Emery’s Arsenal side put up another abysmal performance during their weekend Premier League draw against lowly Southampton. Despite the Saints’ recent struggles to find form, they were the better team for most of the match against the Gunners, leaving more problems for Unai Emery to sort out. They will be travelling to take on Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night in what is the 5th match of the group stages.
Although the Gunners have been subject of a lot of criticism in the weeks gone by, they find themselves comfortably leading their Europa League group, with a whole six points separating them from Standard Liege and Frankfurt, in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. A win against the German outfit would effectively guarantee their progress to the knockout stages and relieve some of the tension surrounding Arsenal at this time.
Team News
Dani Ceballos picked up an unfortunate thigh problem while on international duty with Spain, which was initially believed to a minor issue. But since his return, it has been clarified that the injury is slightly more complicated, ruling the Real Madrid loanee out of contention, at least until midway through December. Bukayo Saka – another youngster who has impressed heavily this season, is also a doubt for this tie having picked up a knee problem.
Rob Holding’s lingering knee problem felt like a thing of the past, especially considering how he’s been involved with the team so far this term. Despite this, he seems to have aggravated said problem, but could still be in contention to play. Sead Kolasinac, who missed the game against the Saints on the weekend, is expected to make his return.
Here’s The Arsenal Predicted Lineup for this Thursday’s Europa League fixture:
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
The Gunners’ struggles at the back had been no surprise to followers of the Premier League for the last couple of seasons, but this time around, there has been a very visible improvement. We expect to see the first-choice centre-halves rested and replaced by Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding at the heart of the defence.
Alongside them, Unai Emery could also choose to go for the second string full-backs, with both Calum Chambers and Sead Kolasinac expected to be afforded time at right-back and left-back respectively. This could come as an excellent opportunity for the latter to announce his return to the side, and potentially pose Kieran Tierney some competition for the role. Emiliano Martinez is expected to keep his place between the sticks as well.
Midfield
After the five-man back-line system failed miserably against Southampton on the weekend, expect Unai Emery to switch to a conventional 4-3-3, with three midfielders sitting and covering the centre of the arena. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one of the players who regularly feature in this competition, and could be moved to the middle of the park.
Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira are expected to form the rest of the three-man midfield, with the duo responsible for cutting out any Eintracht pressure and in turn, distributing it so that the Gunners can use the ball effectively. Although neither of them have been in the best of form in recent weeks, this comes as an excellent opportunity for Emery to secure progress in the Europa League.
Attack
Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli has been a regular in the Europa League so far and should make his start, although he could be forced to operate out of a wider role than usual. He will be partnered on the other flank by summer signing Nicolas Pepe, with striker Alexandre Lacazette leading the line for Unai Emery on the night.
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