Predicted Arsenal XI to face Rennes in the Europa League
Arsenal produced a brave and wholehearted display at the Emirates to beat Man United 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, thanks to goals from Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The pressure, though, will be on the Gunners when they play host to Ligue 1 outfit Rennes for the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie on Thursday night, with the onus on Unai Emery’s side to overturn a two-goal deficit after a 3-1 defeat in the away fixture last week.
Man United managed to complete a remarkable comeback in the Champions League to knock PSG out despite falling behind in the first leg and Arsenal too will need to pull the rabbit out of the hat if they are to progress to the last 8 in the Europa League.
Team News
Arsenal will be without the services of Sokratis who was sent off for a second bookable offence in the first leg. Henrikh Mkhitaryan picked up a lower back injury in the away leg and missed the game against United on Sunday, which means that he might start on the bench on Thursday night. Lucas Torreira is set to return to the line up for the Europa League clash while Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are all ruled out with long-term injuries.
Formation:- 4-2-3-1
Manager:- Unai Emery
Predicted XI
1. Bernd Leno (GK)
The German produced some fantastic saves against Man United on Sunday and he should get a start ahead of Petr Cech in the all-important fixture.
2. Stephan Lichtsteiner (RB)
The veteran last played against Southampton a couple of weeks back and he might get a start ahead of Shkodran Mustafi who played as a makeshift right-back in the first leg.
3. Laurent Koscielny (CB)
Arsenal’s club-captain defended with plenty of resilience on Sunday and they will need him to inspire them to a victory in the Europa League as well.
4. Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
He hasn’t been im great form this term but the suspension to Sokratis should open the door for him to start on Thursday.
5. Nacho Monreal (LB)
He scored an unlucky own goal in the reverse fixture but Arsenal should continue to rely on his experience.
6. Lucas Torreira (CDM)
The Uruguayan was suspended for the Premier League fixture against Man United but he should be back for the Europa League game.
7. Granit Xhaka (CDM)
The Swiss international should be high on confidence after scoring the opener against United and Arsenal will need his calmness and composure on the ball against Rennes.
8. Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RW)
The youngster showed plenty of energy and tenacity on Sunday and Arsenal should rely on him if Mkhitaryan doesn’t make it to the eleven.
9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
He didn’t have a very good day at the office in the victory over Man United but getting a goal on Sunday should raise his confidence ahead of the Europa League tie.
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10. Aaron Ramsey (CAM)
The Welshman was one of the standout performers for the Gunners on Sunday and Emery should look to use him in an advanced role to replace the lacklustre Mesut Ozil.
11. Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
He is always a goal threat and Arsenal will need their talismanic striker to fire on all cylinders if they are to overturn the deficit on Thursday.
