Arsenal will be looking to bounce back with a win after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Gunners will host Vitoria Guimaraes as they look to get back to winning ways. Unai Emery’s men currently reside at the fifth spot in the Premier League but are topping the charts in their respective Europa League group.
Meanwhile, Guimaraes have lost just the one game in the domestic league. Whereas, they are yet to score a goal in the Europa League and are at the bottom of the group.
Match Details
Date- Friday, October 23 | Kick-Off- 12:30 AM (IST) | Venue- Emirates Stadium
Arsenal
With Alexandre Lacazatte returning back to fitness, Gabriel Martinelli might be forced to sit on the bench. Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin could be made available in the team sheet since they were rested against Sheffield United. Reiss Nelson will be on the sidelines till next month, whereas, Emil Smith Rowe is also in doubt to feature.
In terms of selection, Martinez could be given a start to guard the goal. While Hector Bellarin, Mustafi, Rob Holding and Tierney should form the back four. Cabellos and Torreira could serve as the two holding midfielders. Maitland Niles, Joe Willock, and Saka could be given a go as the attacking midfielders. Whereas, Alexandre Lacazatte leads the attack.
Vitoria Guimares
Guimares will be without at least nine players due to injuries which makes Ivo Vieira’s task all the more challenging. The injury list includes Joao Teixeira, Joseph Amoah, Andre Andre, Agu, Alhassan Wakaso, Victor Garcia, Falaye Sacko, Miguel Oliveira and Jhonatan Luiz.
Soares, Tasoba, Henrique, Hanin could start as the back four. With plenty of players missing, there is a possibility of Gulmares going in with five midfield players. Edwards, Poha, Pepe, Evangelista and Davidson could fill in for that role. While Bonatini plays as the lone striker.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal- Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Tierney; Ceballos, Torreira; Maitland-Niles, Willock, Saka; Lacazette.
Vitoria Guimares- Silva; Soares, Tapsoba, Henrique, Hanin; Edwards, Poha, Pepe, Evangelista, Davidson; Bonatini.
Key Points
Arsenal has won seven of the last eight Europa League fixtures.
Arsenal has been winning in both half time as well as full time in six of their last eight Europa League games.
Top Picks
20-year-old, Joe Willock looks like one for the future for Arsenal. Willock has looked sharp for the Gunners and has scored three goals in seven starts for the North Londoners, with two goals coming in the Europa League itself.
Former Tottenham Hotspur player, Marcus Edwards would be eager of scoring against his once former rivals. Edwards bagged himself a goal and made an assist in a 3-2 win by Spurs over Arsenal U-23s in 2017.
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