LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Arsenal will welcome Rapid Vienna and along with them, 2000 home fans into the Emirates for the first time since the lockdown.
The Gunners would have ideally wanted to welcome fans in a better scenario but being in the Europa League will be somewhat of a positive. Mikel Arteta has overseen Arsenal’s worst start to a Premier League campaign after 10 games but the story has been entirely different in Europe.
4 wins in 4 games see them needing just a point tomorrow to secure the tag of group toppers. And given the quality of teams remaining and the ones expected to drop down from the Champions League, topping the group seems to be a necessity.
TEAM NEWS
Thomas Partey remains out for the foreseeable future while David Luiz will not be risked after a sickening clash of heads with Raul Jimenez on the weekend.
Sead Kolasinac is unlikely to feature having tested COVID positive a while back. Gabriel Martinelli and Calum Chambers are expected to return to action over the next couple of weeks.
DEFENCE
Runarsson is expected to get another start in Europe. Arteta will want him to get settled as soon as possible and tomorrow is another excellent opportunity to try him out.
We are backing Arteta to deploy a 4-man defensive wall.
Cedric Soares should start at right-back in the Arsenal lineup. With Luiz missing, Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding are likely to team up in central defence. Kieran Tierney should be rested for this clash which will see Maitland-Niles deputise at left-back once again.
MIDFIELD
Granit Xhaka is expected to feature once again in a double pivot in the Arsenal lineup. Joe Willock was impressive alongside him against Molde but was used in an advanced role against Wolves by Arteta.
We could see Elneny partner Xhaka in midfield for tomorrow’s game.
ATTACK
Nicolas Pepe was electrifying against Molde and fans will be hoping he can continue the form. He is serving a domestic suspension and will like to take the opportunity to impress the manager elsewhere.
Reiss Nelson is expected to start on the opposite flank in the Arsenal lineup, with Saka getting a much-needed rest ahead of the crucial North London derby.
Emile Smith Rowe should start in the no.10 role in the Arsenal lineup while Eddie Nketiah might get the nod ahead of Alexandre Lacazette in the striker’s position.
ARSENAL LINEUP
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