Europa League

Arteta to freshen things up - How Arsenal could line-up against Rapid Vienna

The Spaniard usually gives his fringe players some game time in the Europa League and it could be the case again

 
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.

Arsenal XI versus Rapid Vienna

AFC - Football tactics and formations

Latest news

Serie A

Capello carries Juve back to the summit of Italian football - Serie A 2004-05

The Bianconeri would later be stripped of this Serie A title...

  • 10 hours
Ligue 1

Montpellier stun French football to claim maiden title - Ligue 1 in 2011/12

Olivier Giroud and co. put themselves on the map by winning the French top flight for the very first time

  • 11 hours
Bundesliga

When Magath guided Bayern to another Bundesliga crown - the Bundesliga in 2005/06

The Bavarian giants claimed the double in Germany, further solidifying their dominance under Felix Magath

  • 12 hours
La Liga

When Ronaldinho moved onto another level - La Liga in 2005/06

The Brazilian moved into the realm of greatness in a near-flawless season

  • 13 hours
Premier League

When Ronaldinho sent Barcelona on their journey to greatness - La Liga in 2004/05

The arrival of the Brazilian the previous year was the catalyst for a return to the top at Camp Nou

  • 14 hours
Premier League

When Man Utd blew Arsenal away to win three in a row - the Premier League in 2000/01

The Red Devils hammered their nearest rivals 6-1 during a season where everyone else trailed in their wake

  • 15 hours

Most read