The final group game in what has been a pretty comfortable and undefeated stage of competition hits North London tomorrow night. Mediocre opposition game after game was only really topped by Sporting Lisbon who proved to be a stubborn visitor at the Emitates scrapping for a hard fought 0-0 back in early November. Emery has therefore utilised his squad to the fullest and has tested his young guns just as his predecessor did in previous years of the Europa League. Squad players and youngsters from the academy have found chances easier to come by in this competition and once again, this is likely to continue when the Azerbaijani Champions visit the Emirates tomorrow. It is however, also a fantastic opportunity to give players who are in need of game time, some crucial minutes.
Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal, Mesut Ozil and to some degree Aaron Ramsey are all available to play after various injuries, and considering the calibre of opponent, this is the perfect opportunity to ease these players back in. Ramsey would normally start in this competition these days anyway and added to his short term problem, could do with a start. Ozil has been a medium-term absentee but ahead of the busy festive period just around the corner, his fitness and availability will be vital. Defenders Koscielny and Monreal have faced longer term injuries and should be eased in tomorrow night with perhaps something like forty-five minutes to an hour's worth of play. Due to domestic suspensions to Sokratis and Mustafi, both are likely to be required all game on Saturday against Southampton. Petr Cech should also return between the sticks giving league goalie Leno a rest. Ahead, Hector Bellerin may also get a rest with Jenkinson and Lichtsteiner as potential replacements in either a back four or the wing back role. Kolasinac could also play or be rested, this depends on both Monreal's status and Emery's starting shape.
In midfield, Torreira is almost certainly due a rest with the likes of Maitland-Niles, Willock, Guendouzi and even Xhaka fresher than he. Ramsey can also be deployed in a central role if required as can the fit again Mohamed Elneny. Eddie Nketiah is likely to start up top in a solo role, flanked by creative attacking midfielders like Emile Smith-Rowe, Alex Iwobi or Henrikh Mhkitaryan. Ramsey and/or Ozil could appear in the wider areas also. Big names Lacazette, Aubameyang and Xhaka should be kept in reserve just in case.
The opponents, Qarabag, didn't put up much of a fight in the reverse fixture earlier in the group and it took Sokratis just four minutes to open the scoring in Azerbaijan. Smith-Rowe then scored a few minutes into the second half, followed by a nice finish from Guendouzi nearer the end to really highlight Arsenal's dominance. The Gunners were rarely threatened and it is likely to be much more of the same again tomorrow night. A good blend of youth and experience will ensure Emery's Arsenal make it 22 games unbeaten, and an entire European group stage without loss.
Expected lineup:
GK: Petr Cech
CB: Stephan Lichtsteiner
CB: Laurent Koscielny
CB: Sokratis
RWB: Carl Jenkinson
CM: Mohamed Elneny
CM: Joe Willock
LWB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
RAM: Mesut Ozil
LAM: Emile Smith-Rowe
ST: Eddie Nketiah
Prediction: 3-0. Nketiah to score his first European goal followed by goals from Mesut Ozil and another from ESR.
@craigbennett10
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