Mikel Arteta is expected to rest multiple Arsenal players for tonight’s Europa League meeting with Rapid Vienna as the north London derby against Tottenham draws nearer.
The Gunners have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League and could still top Group B even if they lose their final two games.
They are next in action against Rapid Vienna tonight at Emirates Stadium, with 2,000 fans to be present for the first time this season.
Several players will be rested ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham. Alex Runarsson will come in for Bernd Leno in goal, while the defence will have changes, too.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Kieran Tierney should both be given the night off, while Hector Bellerin is expected to be rested.
In midfield, Mohamed Elneny may get a start and some minutes after returning following a positive test for Covid-19 while on international duty with Egypt last month.
A number of youngsters are pushing to play, such as Emile Smith Rowe, Folarin Balogun and Miguel Azeez, but Arsenal also need to give minutes to more senior players.
As a result Nicolas Pepe, who still has two games left of his Premier League suspension, should start on the right and Reiss Nelson is likely to be on the other flank.â¨
Alexandre Lacazette could captain the side again from a new position as a No10 and Eddie Nketiah should play as the main striker.
Arsenal predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Runarsson; Cedric, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles; Elneny, Willock; Pepe, Lacazette, Nelson; Nketiah.
Thursday 8.00pm BT Sport
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Radu Petrescu
Arsenal squad from: Leno, Macey, Runarsson; Bellerin, Cedric, Chambers, Gabriel, Holding, Mustafi, Tierney; Azeez, Ceballos, Cottrell, Maitland-Niles, Smith Rowe, Willock, Xhaka; Aubameyang, Balogun, Nelson, Nketiah, Lacazette and Pepe.
Injured: Luiz (head), Mari (ankle), Martinelli (knee) and Partey (thigh).
