Arsenal's visit to Ukraine has already been tainted with political tensions in certain regions of the country, so much so that yesterday this match got moved to Kiev, some 200+ miles from Poltava to ensure safe proceedings through the event's entirety.
With Tottenham at home on Sunday in the league, Emery ideally wouldn't have wanted this game. However, with the Europa League group pretty much wrapped up and qualification already guaranteed, the Arsenal manager will be comfortable enough in making significant changes. A mixture of experience (that needs pitch time) and youth will get Arsenal over the line in what actually shouldn't be as hostile as it would have been in Poltava. Vorskla won't feel much at home being so far from their ground so the Gunners should be looking to worsen these feelings and impose their style and football allover the hosts from the off.
The reverse fixture earlier on in the group ended in an end-to-end 4-2 victory for Arsenal, potentially an uncomfortable night defensively but a very good night going forward. At that time, Emery's style implementation was still in its early phase but now things are different. An unbeaten run of 17 games should not be at risk here - and no matter the squad, Arsenal should not be losing this match. The likes of Cech, Sokratis, Ramsey and Mkhitaryan have enough experience to pull any younger players through if things were to get difficult.
Being a cup competition, rotation is expected, especially with Emery's first NLD at the weekend. Petr Cech is now the cup keeper and will start (as captain) for this one. Emery's should move to a back three at the weekend leaves tomorrow night's shape completely up in the air but with such a big game on Sunday, I feel that he won't want to expose three first team centre backs to full ninety minute games. This leaves the door open for young Pleguezuelo and the out-of-favour Carl Jenkinson to come into the starting eleven. In midfield, players like Matteo Guendouzi, Joe Willock, Aaron Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny come into contention. Whilst upfront, Lacazette is expected to miss out again as a precaution so a combination Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah will see minutes in this one. Behind in attacking midfield, Emile Smith-Rowe and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are likely candidates to start.
The hosts are a tricky outfit full of grit and hard work, and a talented player or two. After a comfortable night in the reverse fixture though, Arsenal are expected to take the three points again. Regardless of team selection, Arsenal are blessed with far better footballers than Vorskla and although the atmosphere won't be great, there could be much worse. Lisbon was a tough place to go and get a win, and Emery's men managed that so tomorrow night more of the same please, no injuries and nothing silly. Patience and creative attacking football will win Arsenal this match.
Expected lineup:
GK: Petr Cech
CB: Sokratis
CB: Rob Holding
CB: Julio Pleguezuelo
RWB: Carl Jenkinson
CM: Matteo Guendouzi
CM: Aaron Ramsey
LWB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
LAM: Emile Smith-Rowe
RAM: Henrikh Mhkitarayn
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Prediction: 3-0 win, with Aubameyang carrying on his good run of form.
@craigbennett10
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