'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Bouncing back from a poor run of games, Arsenal has now won back to back games against AC Milan and Watford.
Finishing in the top four of the Premier League seems an impossible challenge for the Gunners and the route to Champions League they have left is by winning the Europa League.
As the underdogs of the fixture, Arsenal turned out to be surprise winners of the first leg held at San Siro.
Empty seats filled the Emirates when Arsenal hosted Watford over the weekend. Many knew that the challenge for top four has likely been over for the season, but it remains to be seen whether the same will be observed in the Europa League match.
A win will see Arsenal advance and be a step closer to clinching the silverware.
Arsene Wenger seems to have prioritised the Europa League match in hand as he chose to rest Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny.
Wenger has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation thus far as his team seems more comfortable and used to playing with a back four.
With two defensive midfielders sitting at the back to protect the defenders, it will then allow the attacking trio of midfielders to advance, supporting the striker.
Here is how the starting line-up of the home team may look like.
Goalkeeper: David Ospina
The Colombian's game time has largely been restricted to Europa League and Cup games as usual.
Although Petr Cech achieved a milestone of 200 clean sheets over the weekend, Ospina is likely to get the nod to start ahead of his team-mate.
The goalkeeper performed well in his previous game even though he nearly gave away a penalty to his opponents.
However, there is no reason why Wenger will choose to drop him from the line-up as he managed to preserve a clean sheet for the team in Italy.
Right-Back: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Replacing Hector Bellerin in the right back position on Sunday, Maitland-Niles played well in an unfamiliar position.
Perhaps, the biggest mistake he made in the game is giving away a soft penalty when he showed hesitation in his decision.
The Englishman is one of the brightest talents among the Arsenal youths and Wenger has shown clearly that he cherishes him.
Instead of naming Calum Chambers in the starting XI at the right-back position, it shows the manager's trust in him.
After his impressive performance and partnership with the defence, Maitland-Niles could be given the chance to shine if Bellerin were to remain unfit.
Centre-back: Calum Chambers
With Shkodran Mustafi possibly missing out due to a suspected groin injury, Chambers, who appeared as a substitute in the match against Watford, should be starring against the Italian giants.
A calm and fine display from him in the match in Italy was something he has provided in most of his games thus far, showing that he has benefited from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Centre-back: Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman had been given a break ahead of the clash against Milan.
As Arsenal start to see themselves regaining the much-needed confidence in their games, it is time for Koscielny to step up and lead his team to a crucial victory.
His ability to read the game and get his team to move forward will be much appreciated in this upcoming tough fixture.
Feisty challenges are likely to come in as the visitors will attempt to give their best shot against the Gunners.
As such, the backline will be reliant on Koscielny's awareness and positioning throughout the game.
Left-back: Sead Kolasinac
The fit and muscular defender has found himself getting more time to play on the pitch following injuries to the first choice left-back Nacho Monreal.
Kolasinac had a couple of impressive showings in recent matches and it is unlikely that Wenger will risk Monreal by allowing him to play.
Central Midfielder: Aaron Ramsey
Arsenal would be hoping to get an energetic and dynamic Ramsey who was given a rest over the weekend.
The Welsh international aided Arsenal in securing a 2-0 victory previously. He played a significant role by becoming the box-to-box midfielder for Arsenal and his sprints towards the penalty box have left defenders unable to mark him easily.
There is no doubt that he will be called into action on Thursday night. Playing with Xhaka, Ramsey should be slightly upfront, supporting the play of the attacking midfielders.
Central Midfielder: Granit Xhaka
After bouts of poor display this season, Xhaka seems to be settling in more and more comfortably.
Changing play easily with his powerful and accurate left foot, he has been directing Arsenal's play from deep in the last two matches.
At the same time, it is also observed that he has been more consistent in his defending styles, recalling that he has to track the runs of his opponents and also get to the right position when the full backs advance to join in the attack.
This is a key component the Swiss international has improved and tasked him to work harder on recently. As the main defensive midfielder, Xhaka will be tasked to sit deep in the game, allowing Ramsey to roam forward.
Left wing: Alex Iwobi
Iwobi has largely been the man on duty to charge down the left flanks. Although his crosses and passes have not been that accurate, Iwobi has been putting in lots of hard work in his games.
He has combined well with Kolasinac and Ozil. Very often, Iwobi finds himself becoming the link between the full-backs and the German. The Nigerian has excelled in that particular role.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Mesut Ozil
Be it a bad or good showing, Arsenal's performances will always be linked to this man.
As the team's star player, he showed why he was worth his price tag in games against Watford and AC Milan.
There was hardly anyone in the midfield who could match his intelligence in reading the runs of his team-mates.
Although he is largely absent when it comes to defensive duties, fans can be reassured that as long as Arsenal are keen to attack and move forward as a team, this man will dictate the play and goals will come.
With the home match having such a great pressure on the team and Wenger, the manager will definitely name Ozil in the starting XI.
Right-wing: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The former Manchester United player picked up a few knocks here and there in the game where Arsenal faced Watford.
Given that Wenger made no mention of his condition, Mkhitaryan should be fit to start against their Europe opponents.
His involvement in defending does not seem as bad as what Jose Mourinho has mentioned previously and that is something Arsenal fans should be glad to see.
Mkhitaryan has prospered in Europa League matches. The statistics of his performances are on his side and without any hesitation, he showed that he can play well with Ozil in the starting line-up.
Striker: Danny Welbeck
Welbeck gave the defenders a hard time in Italy, but he just could not find his goal. Despite working hard, he is lacking that striker instinct to score.
Becoming the team's only experienced striker in the Europa League, Arsenal will have to rely on his contribution to the team.
His powerful and fast dashes make him lethal, but Welbeck has to be more confident in his skills and shots.
Hopefully, a positive performance on Thursday night will be a reassurance of his talents.
