Arsenal have traveled up to Kiev for their Europa League clash against Vorskla after having to shift venues due to safety concerns.
Unai Emery is has been vocal about the Europa League being a big priority in his agenda at Arsenal this season. But despite his long-term goals, with the weekend’s North London derby in mind, he has rested the majority of the senior squad and taken a range of names from the club’s youth ranks to Kiev.
Aaron Ramsey, Petr Cech, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mohamed Elneny seem to be the only senior players who are likely to feature tonight.
Nevertheless, let’s see how the Gunners could line up against Vorskla with their young squad to snatch a victory.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Bernd Leno has been a revelation this season since he got his break under Emery. And since it doesn’t seem like the German will be the second choice any time soon, Cech should retain his place as the starting goalkeeper in cup games.
Especially with the derby coming up, Leno needs to be in full condition.
Nevertheless, the Czech shotstopper isn’t expected to be too bothered by Vorskla tonight.
Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner, Julio Pleguezuelo, Rob Holding and Carl Jenkinson
Lichtsteiner is expected to continue his ventures in the Europa League this season after his convincing run of form. And on the opposite side of the flank, Carl Jenkinson is expected to start in the absence of Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac.
Rob Holding will be leading the back-line as the only first-team defender in the squad and he will be accompanied by Julio Pleguezuelo, who, during his debut, impressed everyone and will look to do the same against Vorskla.
Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi, Aaron Ramsey, Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith-Rowe
With Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Mesut Ozil having not traveled to the venue, Matteo Guendouzi, Ramsey and Elneny are set to take their places against Vorskla.
Guendouzi has only impressed fans and critics so far this season and will need more game time to mature into his full potential.
Meanwhile, Ramsey and Elneny are desperate for minutes this season, having fallen below the pecking order.
Finally, Smith-Rowe could be seen in a creative role further up the pitch.
Forwards: Alex Iwobi and Eddie Nketiah
The academy graduates will be leading the attack for their side this time around, with another youngster feeding them from behind.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
