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Arsenal will host CSKA Moscow in Europa League quarterfinals this Thursday. The Gunners are more than ten points adrift Tottenham who sit fourth in the Premier League table, so the Nort Londoners need to win the Europa League if they are to play in the Champions League next season.
Although Arsenal have drawn favourable opposition, the English team should not belittle their opponents who stunned Lyon to advance to the quarterfinals. The Gunners could be without Petr Cech as he recovers from his groin injury. There are doubts over the fitness of Danny Welbeck and Alexandre Lacazette, but the latter is highly expected to start after facing Crystal Palace this past weekend.
Goalkeeper: David Ospina
The Colombian made his first Premier League start of the season on Sunday afternoon. Ospina looked sharp in goal despite the notable mistake he made while playing against France while on international duty the week before.
The goalkeeper showed little hesitation when coming out to collect crosses and stayed alert throughout. Having been selected for all the Europa League competitions thus far, Ospina is set to once again guard the goal.
Right-back: Hector Bellerin
Bellerin was urged by Mesut Ozil to time his passes better against Palace and the little altercation made the news on the social media. As the first choice right-back, there are higher expectations of him. With his quick burst of pace, the Spaniard can support the attack when given the time and space. Against CSKA Moscow, Arsenal will have to be mindful of their counter-attacks and Bellerin must be wary of the opposition wingers.
Centre-back: Laurent Koscielny
Missing majority of Arsenal's previous Europa League match, Koscielny is set to be fit to start against CSKA Moscow. He was given a rest when his team played against Crystal Palace but the Frenchman is expected to play in the Europea League.
Centre-back: Shkodran Mustafi
The German was awful with his passing but brilliant with his interceptions and blocks. He played a crucial role of helping his team keep a clean sheet against Stoke City. Mustafi will certainly be playing once again in the backline.
Left-back: Nacho Monreal
Unless Monreal suffers an injury or falls ill, he is certainly going to start at left-back. His experience has been highly valued by Wenger who opts to play him in a back-four than switching to a back-three. The left-back can do better in linking up the play and moving forward. Apart from that, there are not many errors one can find regarding his defending.
Centre-midfielder: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss national played for approximately 15 minutes during the weekend as Wenger decided not to start him and give him a breather. Xhaka looked sharp with his passing and showed that he was capable of dictating the play from deep. He should be called to the starting lineup ahead of Elneny for the upcoming fixture.
Centre-midfielder: Jack Wilshere
Wilshere's influence in the game grew after the break and he became more dominant in possession. The Englishman's through passes have been vital in opening up the opposition defence. His recent performances show why he deserves a new contract from the Gunners and he has the CSKA Moscow match to impress further.
Left-wing: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The new Arsenal signing started on the bench against Stoke City as Wenger attempted to rest some of his key players ahead of the Europa League clash. Mkhitaryan was later given around 15 minutes of game time towards the end of the Premier League match to fine tune his sharpness. He is expected to play alongside Mesut Ozil as part of an attacking midfield trio.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Mesut Ozil
Ozil woke up from his first-half slumber to aid his team to a crucial win against the Potters. The German midfielder is expected to play in the Europa League. At this crucial stage of the European competition, Arsenal cannot afford to let their guard down because winning the Europa League seems the most probable way to get entry into Champions League next season. Ozil will be Arsenal's creative outlet up top.
Right-wing: Aaron Ramsey
After recovering well from his minor procedure, the Welshman looks ready to play a big role in the rest of the season. His runs into the box offer a goalscoring threat. Beyond that, the diligent midfielder tries to cover as much ground as possible to prevent the team from losing possession. Ramsey has always been eager to participate in both defence and attack and his tenacity will be key against CSKA.
Striker: Alexandre Lacazette
It could not have been a better return for the Frenchman who scored after coming on as a substitute against Stoke City. Lacazette looked sharp with his turns and was eager to make an impact on the game after missing six weeks of action due to a knee injury.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ineligible to play in the Europa League for Arsenal, Lacazette is the next best option available. Both Lacazette and Danny Welbeck face fitness concerns prior to the match, but Wenger is expected to let the record signing start against CSKA Moscow.
Substitutes
Matt Macey, Alex Iwobi, Calum Chambers, Danny Welbeck, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah
