Arsenal face Rapid Vienna in their opening fixture of the Europa League on Thursday night. The Gunners topped the group in last year’s edition of the Europa League, but were knocked in the round of 32 by Greek side Olympiakos on the away goals. Mikel Arteta’s side will hope to go deeper in the competition this season.
The Gunners seem like a far better unit than the one that competed in the Europa League last season, and they could have a good run in the competition.
With Arsenal playing a strong Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta could rest a few of his first-team players.
Arsenal Team News
Sokratis and Mesut Ozil will play no part in the competition as they were not registered for the Europa League.
Defender Rob Holding pulled out of the game against Manchester City after suffering a hamstring injury during the warm-up. He may miss the game along with the likes of Pablo Mari, Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli.
Let’s take a look at the possible Arsenal lineup for the game against Rapid Vienna.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Rapid Vienna
Goalkeeper
Runar Alex Runarsson is Bernd Leno’s deputy this season and the Iceland international could get his first start in Arsenal colours on Thursday.
Defence
19-year-old William Saliba could also make his debut on Thursday, and he could be joined by the experienced Sead Kolasinac in the centre-back role. Arteta could rest the likes of David Luiz and Gabriel for the Premier League fixture.
Cedric Soares could get a start at right-back in place of Hector Bellerin, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles could start at left-back in the Arsenal lineup.
Midfield
New signing Thomas Partey could get his first start on Thursday and he could play alongside Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny. Joe Willock is expected to complete the three-man midfield in the Arsenal lineup, and he could be given the licence to roam forward.
It will be interesting to see what kind of role Partey plays in midfield against a side like Vienna.
Attack
Eddie Nketiah could start up front for the Gunners, while Alexandre Lacazette is an option for Arteta. Reiss Nelson could get a start on the right and Nicolas Pepe could also feature for the Gunners on the left side of attack. Bukayo Saka is another option for Arteta.
