Arsenal take on Vorskla in Kiev this evening in their fifth Europa League group stage match.
The Gunners have already confirmed qualification into the next round of the competition by accumulating 10 points from their first four games.
But a win this evening or a draw against the Ukrainian club – depending on the Sporting Lisbon result – will mean Unai Emery’s side will win the group, meaning an ‘easier’ draw in the latter stages.
However, with the first North London derby of the season this Sunday at the Emirates, Emery will more than likely field a ‘weak’ side tomorrow night against Vorskla.
So here is the starting XI I believe we will see chosen by Emery:
Cech
Jenkinson Mustafi Holding Kolasinac
Guendouzi Elneny
Mkhitaryan Ramsey Smith-Rowe
Nketiah
Bernd Leno is expected to sit this one out having played against Bournemouth last Sunday, so Petr Cech will take the gloves this time around.
The back four will probably consist of Carl Jenkinson and Sead Kolasinac in the full-back positions as Hector Bellerin will be rested and Nacho Monreal still out injured.
Sokratis has been Arsenal’s most dominant and trusted centre-backs this season and Emery may decide to leave him out of this one and give Shkodran Mustafi a game instead alongside Rob Holding.
Matteo Guendouzi should start having not done so last Sunday with Mohamed Elneny alongside him, giving Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira a day.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan should keep his spot in the side to gain more confidence, while Aaron Ramsey is likely to get the nod ahead of Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil. Emery seems to like giving Emile Smith-Rowe games in the Europa league so is expected to start another in Ukraine.
Alexandre Lacazette’s fitness is still in doubt and Emery will not want to risk him along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. So, this leaves an opportunity for youngster Eddie Nketiah to lead the line and show the fans more of his capabilities.
