Arsenal will set foot into Europa League after more than two decades, and coming into the tournament they are the favourites to clinch the title at the end of the season.
Thursday nights will be ‘new’ for almost everyone involved at Arsenal Football Club. They will face FC Cologne for their opening fixture in Europe semi-elites.
When and Where?
Emirates Stadium will host the fixture between Arsenal and FC Cologne on 14 September at XX BST.
It looks like ‘Olivier Giroud’ will return to starting lineup, being poised to net his hundredth goal for Arsenal. David Ospina will start between the woodwork (if not any injury arises before the match).
Arsene Wenger has indicated that he will name a side ‘capable’ of winning, and not go with full strength side. As Arsenal travel away to Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
Arsenal star defender Laurent Koscielny is not available to take part in the fixture. Koscielny is serving one-match-ban after receiving red card against Bayern Munich last season. This will be a big blow for Arsenal but it even indicates we may see some youngster given a go. Calum Chambers may be involved. Though, Rob Holding remains the favourite to replace him at the heart of defence.
Arsenal supporters are highly hoping that Jack Wilshere would feature somewhere in the ninety minutes. We may even see Alexis Sanchez return to starting lineup after coming from the bench at Bournemouth.
Reiss Nelson and Theo Walcott are expected to start on either wings.
Team News?
Coquelin is to miss the fixture with hamstring problems and will be out for about 4-6 weeks. Jack Wilshere is back from long layoff and Alexis Sanchez is fit again. No fresh injury news at North London.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal –
Ospina
Holding
Mertesacker
Chambers
Debuchy
Elneny
Maitland
Nelson
Wilshere
Walcott
Giroud
