Arsenal entertain Rapid Vienna in the Europa League tonight - though the main talking point will be the return of Gunners fans to the Emirates Stadium.
After almost nine months away, 2,000 Arsenal supporters will be back at the Emirates, with the stadium in Tier 2 of the Government's new regionalised approach to tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gunners will be the first Premier League club to welcome back fans since Covid-19 halted the 2019/20 season, and while their recent form will be a huge concern to Mikel Arteta - with Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves sounding the alarm - Thursday should prove to be a welcome distraction for the club.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off tonight (Thursday, December 3, 2020) at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna tickets
All 2,000 tickets for the match sold out in 20 minutes on Saturday, with Arsenal fans allowed back at the Emirates for the first time in almost nine months. Arsenal are the first Premier League club to welcome back fans following government approval.
How to watch Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna
TV channel: Tonight’s match will be televised on BT Sport 2.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the video player and the BT Sport app.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal are set to rest a number of players with one eye on Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.
Alex Runarsson is expected to start in place of Bernd Leno in goal, with Sead Kolasinac and Mohamed Elneny also in contention for minutes after their respective positive coronavirus tests on international duty.
Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson should start on the flanks, with Alexandre Lacazette in a new no10 position and Eddie Nketiah leading the line.
David Luiz will not play as he continues to recover from his sickening, accidental clash of heads with Raul Jimenez that left the Wolves striker with a fractured skull, while Thomas Partey is set for another scan on his thigh injury.
Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari are unlikely to feature as they build up match fitness following injury, while Gabriel Martinelli (knee) is hoping to play for Arsenal’s Under-23s this month.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Runarsson; Cedric, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles; Elneny, Willock; Pepe, Lacazette, Nelson; Nketiah.
Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna prediction: Arsenal to win 1-0
Goals have been a real problem for the Gunners of late, though they should edge this one - especially with fans back in the stadium.
Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna head to head (h2h) history and results
Past meetings: 1
Arsenal wins: 1
Rapid wins: 0
Draws: 0
Last meeting: Rapid Vienna 1-2 Arsenal, October 22, 2020.
Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna betting odds and tips (subject to change)
Arsenal win: 1/2
Rapid win: 6/1
Draw: 4/1
1-0 Arsenal win: 12/1
Odds via Betfair Exchange. Click here to find out more.
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