How Arsenal could line-up against Rapid Vienna

12:00pm on Thursday 22nd October 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Mikel Arteta will likely make a few changes to his starting XI as Arsenal start their Europa League campaign away at Rapid Vienna.

The Gunners were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Manchester City at the weekend, and with another huge fixture on the horizon this upcoming weekend against Leicester, who finished above them last season, Arteta will give some fringe players a chance.

Runar Alex Runarsson could be handed a debut in goal after becoming Arsenal's new number two after the departure of Emiliano Martinez in the summer.

Arsenal: Squad, FC Ratings, Matches, Formations

2020/21 Europa League: Groups, Matches, Team Stats, Player Stats

The preferred 3-4-3 formation will likely be kept by Arteta, with David Luiz, Gabriel, and Sead Kolasinac in the back three.

Cedric could be given a start at right wing-back with Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the opposite flank.

Thomas Partey made his debut off the bench versus City and this could be a perfect opportunity to give him his first start to get the fitness up.

Bukayo Saka was involved in more Europa League goals than any other Arsenal player last season, but with 90 minutes under his belt against City he might be given a rest.

It could be a homegrown front three with Eddie Nketiah likely to start, with Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock in support.