After another disappointing away performance in the Premier League, the Gunners return to action in Thursday night's Europa League looking for another three points to all but seal progress into next year's knockout stages.
It's almost got to the point with Unai Emery's selections that it is potentially more exciting to watch Arsenal's Thursday night squad play, rather than watch the domestic team as changes and rotation mean that we see the likes of Holding, Tierney and Torreira play, play well and in their correct positions. It is a shame however, there this group stage has so far offered very little in the way of real tests and solid teams that need breaking down but as a group, the Thursday night team can only beat what's in front of them and so far they have done just that.
With cries for Mesut Ozil against Sheffield United the other night, where Arsenal saw over 70% of possession but couldn't break down a dogged home defence, it is still unknown as to whether the German will get a run out tonight. In a bid to impress, he'll likely be keen of course, but with Emery's needless agenda still ongoing, fans are still in the dark. On top of Ozil's absence from the Premier League squad, there have also been huge shouts for Bellerin, Tierney and Holding to return. With Emery's current back four leaky at best and woeful at worst, it is now surely time to reintegrate his best players and build his best side. Many would like to see Chambers move inside and play central alongside Holding but Luiz there could also be a good partner for Holding, whilst the full backs should really pick themselves. Tierney and Bellerin, on form, are miles ahead in terms of defensive stability and forward prowess - it's clear to every besides Emery or so it seems.
But with games every three of four days now, unless Emery were to leave out the likes of Tierney and Bellerin tonight, it is highly unlikely they will play Sunday. To play tonight and Sunday would likely be too much which means Kolasinac and Chambers could continue come the weekend. One man who is unavailable for longer is young Reiss Nelson who has suffered knee ligament damage. It's not long term and he'll be returning to full training in November but its a frustration for the lad no doubt, as he'd have likely played some part in tonight's game. The visit of Vitoria does allow one huge positive and that is a real run out, with the pressure off, for Alex Lacazette. He'll likely start up top and see a good hour or so ahead of Crystal Palace on Sunday. Everything he brings, the team have missed of late so his fitness and inclusion going forward will be vital to success.
Little is known about our guests but they currently sit bottom of the group without a point having lost two from two so far. They do however site fourth in Portugal's Primeira Liga and have only lost once in their last six domestic games, form they will look to build upon with they hit the Emirates pitch tonight. They are missing a few key players though, mainly through injury, as there are major doubts over Lucas Evangelista, Miguel Silva and Valeriy Bondarenko, whilst Mubarak Wakaso and 'the man so good they named him twice' Andre Andre are definitely unavailable. The omens do look good for Arsenal, as many would have guessed. Added to Vitoria's poor European record, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last five home games against Portuguese opposition, having only drawn one of those five. A clean sheet would be nice and Arsenal supposed 'second XI' defence will be looking to deliver just that and knock even harder on Unai Emery's door.
Expected lineup:
GK: Emiliano Martinez
RB: Hector Bellerin
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
CB: Rob Holding
LB: Kieran Tierney
CM: Lucas Torreria
CM: Joe Willock
CAM: Mesut Ozil
RW: Emile Smith-Rowe
ST: Alex Lacazette
LW: Gabriel Martinelli
Prediction: 4-0 to the Gunners
@craigbennett10
It's almost got to the point with Unai Emery's selections that it is potentially more exciting to watch Arsenal's Thursday night squad play, rather than watch the domestic team as changes and rotation mean that we see the likes of Holding, Tierney and Torreira play, play well and in their correct positions. It is a shame however, there this group stage has so far offered very little in the way of real tests and solid teams that need breaking down but as a group, the Thursday night team can only beat what's in front of them and so far they have done just that.
With cries for Mesut Ozil against Sheffield United the other night, where Arsenal saw over 70% of possession but couldn't break down a dogged home defence, it is still unknown as to whether the German will get a run out tonight. In a bid to impress, he'll likely be keen of course, but with Emery's needless agenda still ongoing, fans are still in the dark. On top of Ozil's absence from the Premier League squad, there have also been huge shouts for Bellerin, Tierney and Holding to return. With Emery's current back four leaky at best and woeful at worst, it is now surely time to reintegrate his best players and build his best side. Many would like to see Chambers move inside and play central alongside Holding but Luiz there could also be a good partner for Holding, whilst the full backs should really pick themselves. Tierney and Bellerin, on form, are miles ahead in terms of defensive stability and forward prowess - it's clear to every besides Emery or so it seems.
But with games every three of four days now, unless Emery were to leave out the likes of Tierney and Bellerin tonight, it is highly unlikely they will play Sunday. To play tonight and Sunday would likely be too much which means Kolasinac and Chambers could continue come the weekend. One man who is unavailable for longer is young Reiss Nelson who has suffered knee ligament damage. It's not long term and he'll be returning to full training in November but its a frustration for the lad no doubt, as he'd have likely played some part in tonight's game. The visit of Vitoria does allow one huge positive and that is a real run out, with the pressure off, for Alex Lacazette. He'll likely start up top and see a good hour or so ahead of Crystal Palace on Sunday. Everything he brings, the team have missed of late so his fitness and inclusion going forward will be vital to success.
Little is known about our guests but they currently sit bottom of the group without a point having lost two from two so far. They do however site fourth in Portugal's Primeira Liga and have only lost once in their last six domestic games, form they will look to build upon with they hit the Emirates pitch tonight. They are missing a few key players though, mainly through injury, as there are major doubts over Lucas Evangelista, Miguel Silva and Valeriy Bondarenko, whilst Mubarak Wakaso and 'the man so good they named him twice' Andre Andre are definitely unavailable. The omens do look good for Arsenal, as many would have guessed. Added to Vitoria's poor European record, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last five home games against Portuguese opposition, having only drawn one of those five. A clean sheet would be nice and Arsenal supposed 'second XI' defence will be looking to deliver just that and knock even harder on Unai Emery's door.
Expected lineup:
GK: Emiliano Martinez
RB: Hector Bellerin
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
CB: Rob Holding
LB: Kieran Tierney
CM: Lucas Torreria
CM: Joe Willock
CAM: Mesut Ozil
RW: Emile Smith-Rowe
ST: Alex Lacazette
LW: Gabriel Martinelli
Prediction: 4-0 to the Gunners
@craigbennett10
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