Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey makes his first start for the club tonight after travelling with the squad to Austria for their Europa League match against Rapid Vienna.
The Ghana international made his debut against Manchester City at the weekend after coming off the bench, and is now ready to play from the start.
“He reacted really well, he came on and look strong and confident [against Man City] and he added something positive to the team,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
“It was a very short turnaround for him since he joined the team, he had a day, a day-and-a-half only in training. He has done a few more training sessions and he looks ready to start.”
Arteta has vowed to take the Europa League seriously this season and wants to win it. The Spaniard’s team selection should reflect that against Vienna and, despite making changes, it is likely to be a strong team that plays in Austria.
Mohamed Elneny is expected to start in midfield as Dani Ceballos is injured, while Reiss Nelson could get a rare chance to shine on the right. Eddie Nketiah or Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line.
Arsenal XI: Leno, Cedric, David Luiz, Gabriel, Kolasinac, Pepe, Elneny, Partey, Saka, Nketiah, Lacazette
Subs: Runarsson, Macey, Bellerin, Tierney, Aubameyang, Maitland-Niles, Mustafi, Nelson, Willock, Xhaka
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