A first real dilemma for interim Head Coach Freddie Ljungberg heading into his first European game in charge as a number of recent injuries leave his first team defence in tatters, as the Gunners visit Liege in Belgium knowing a win guarantees them safe passage and first place in Group F.
The effects of Monday night's Premier League win are well and truly kicking in now as a pre game blow for Hector Bellerin added to a dislocated shoulder for Kieran Tierney and a concussion to Granit Xhaka have intensified the mid to long term worries. In the short term, Pepe picked up a knock against West Ham, whilst Rob Holding is a few weeks away from a return. Dani Ceballos remains out and usual Europa League starter Shkodran Mustafi is suspended after picking up another yellow card in Unai Emery's last game in charge, the home loss to Frankfurt.
With Tierney's long term availability in question, surely Kolasinac won't be risked for a game that Arsenal should get past, and as a minimum, outscore their opponents to win. With very few other left back options, Ainsley Maitland-Niles could move there from right full back, with Chambers moving from centre to right. David Luiz, Sokratis and Dinos Mavropanos are the remaining three central options and with so many injuries, its unlikely both Luiz and Sokratis will be risked. Young Mavropanos could come in to make his first appearance under Ljungberg. Emi Martinez will replace the hugely impressive and in form Bernd Leno in goal as the usual cup rotation continues.
In midfield, Xhaka's absence means Guendouzi will play. Torreira could partner him at the base with one of many options at the tip should that be Ljungberg's chosen shape. Mesut Ozil, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, Alex Lacazette, and Gabriel Martinelli are the probable options for attacking midfield and upfront whilst Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains an option but is likely to start from the bench at best. Emile Smith-Rowe has played plenty of U23 football of late so he could also feature at some stage.
Our hosts head into this one knowing a win is all they need to qualify. They can't pinch first place but should they beat the Gunners and Frankfurt lose it will be Arsenal and Liege, whilst should they win and see Frankfurt also win, then the Germans take first spot, Liege second leaving Arsenal out. It couldn't happen could it? The form guide of late shows Standard in average form...better than the Gunners though, as three wins, two draws and one loss from their last six means its a real mixed bag. Having been thumped in London back in early October by four goals to nil, this game could literally go either way. Captain and former Spurs youth product Paul-Jose M'Poku will lead his side's creative exploits and in their own back yard, they will have a whole host of passionate support, with only one mission in mind.
Expected lineup:
GK: Emiliano Martinez
RB: Calum Chambers
CB: Dinos Mavropanos
CB: Sokratis
LB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
CM: Matteo Guendouzi
CM: Joe Willock
CAM: Bukayo Saka
RW: Reiss Nelson
ST: Alex Lacazette
LW: Gabriel Martinelli
Prediction: 2-0 to the Gunners and Europa League progress
@craigbennett10
The effects of Monday night's Premier League win are well and truly kicking in now as a pre game blow for Hector Bellerin added to a dislocated shoulder for Kieran Tierney and a concussion to Granit Xhaka have intensified the mid to long term worries. In the short term, Pepe picked up a knock against West Ham, whilst Rob Holding is a few weeks away from a return. Dani Ceballos remains out and usual Europa League starter Shkodran Mustafi is suspended after picking up another yellow card in Unai Emery's last game in charge, the home loss to Frankfurt.
With Tierney's long term availability in question, surely Kolasinac won't be risked for a game that Arsenal should get past, and as a minimum, outscore their opponents to win. With very few other left back options, Ainsley Maitland-Niles could move there from right full back, with Chambers moving from centre to right. David Luiz, Sokratis and Dinos Mavropanos are the remaining three central options and with so many injuries, its unlikely both Luiz and Sokratis will be risked. Young Mavropanos could come in to make his first appearance under Ljungberg. Emi Martinez will replace the hugely impressive and in form Bernd Leno in goal as the usual cup rotation continues.
In midfield, Xhaka's absence means Guendouzi will play. Torreira could partner him at the base with one of many options at the tip should that be Ljungberg's chosen shape. Mesut Ozil, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, Alex Lacazette, and Gabriel Martinelli are the probable options for attacking midfield and upfront whilst Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains an option but is likely to start from the bench at best. Emile Smith-Rowe has played plenty of U23 football of late so he could also feature at some stage.
Our hosts head into this one knowing a win is all they need to qualify. They can't pinch first place but should they beat the Gunners and Frankfurt lose it will be Arsenal and Liege, whilst should they win and see Frankfurt also win, then the Germans take first spot, Liege second leaving Arsenal out. It couldn't happen could it? The form guide of late shows Standard in average form...better than the Gunners though, as three wins, two draws and one loss from their last six means its a real mixed bag. Having been thumped in London back in early October by four goals to nil, this game could literally go either way. Captain and former Spurs youth product Paul-Jose M'Poku will lead his side's creative exploits and in their own back yard, they will have a whole host of passionate support, with only one mission in mind.
Expected lineup:
GK: Emiliano Martinez
RB: Calum Chambers
CB: Dinos Mavropanos
CB: Sokratis
LB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
CM: Matteo Guendouzi
CM: Joe Willock
CAM: Bukayo Saka
RW: Reiss Nelson
ST: Alex Lacazette
LW: Gabriel Martinelli
Prediction: 2-0 to the Gunners and Europa League progress
@craigbennett10
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