Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger has said that he plans to feature a strong side in their UEFA Europa league (UEL) away match against Cologne on Thursday.
Arsenal, who are on 10 points have already advanced into the last-32 of the UEL competition.
The Gunners need a win against the German club to top Group H.
Wenger is expected to again give his young players a chance to impress, with the likes of 17-year-old Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock all expected to feature in the squad.
“You will see a very experienced team tomorrow and see that every player has a big experience in the Premier League,” Wenger said during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
Team news
Arsenal could be without two senior forwards for the visit to Germany, though both Walcott (illness) and Olivier Giroud (groin) will be optimistic of proving their fitness.
Giroud returned to training on Wednesday but could be rested if there are any doubts over his readiness, particularly with Danny Welbeck being available to Wenger and in need of match sharpness.
Calum Chambers could also feature in a rejigged back three, which could allow Wenger to restore Mohamed Elneny to a more natural midfield role.
Cologne, winless and bottom of the Bundesliga after a 1-0 defeat at Mainz on Sunday, will be without vice-captain Jonas Hector due to a knee injury.
Predicted line-ups
Cologne (4-4-2): Horn, Klunter, Maroh, Mere, Rausch; Jojic, Lehmann, Ozcan, Osako; Guirassy, Cordoba.
Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Ospina; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Holding; Nelson, Willock, Elneny, Maitland-Niles; Wilshere, Giroud, Welbeck.
No comments:
Post a Comment