Predicted XI

Rotation expected - How Arsenal could line-up against Dundalk

The Gunners have already secured top spot in Europa League Group B, with the final match set to be a dead rubber

9:39am on Wednesday 9th December 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to name a heavily rotated starting XI in the Europa League clash versus Dundalk on Thursday.

The Gunners are struggling terribly in the Premier League, having won just four out of their opening 11 games so far to sit 15th in the table.

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The Europa League has provided some much-needed respite as they have a perfect record in the group stage so far, with five wins from five.

With qualification already secured, Arteta can rotate as much as he wants, though any Arsenal XI would expect to beat minnows Dundalk.

Runar Alex Runarsson should be given a run out in goal with Bernd Leno dropping out.

Arteta could potentially change to a back four, with Cedric Soares and Sead Kolasinac coming in at full-back, with Pablo Mari pushing for a start alongside Calum Chambers, with both the centre-backs earning minutes against Rapid Vienna.

David Luiz is unlikely to be risked.

Mohamed Elneny could come in in midfield, flanked by homegrown youngsters Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe.

Nicolas Pepe is still suspended domestically so will be given minutes on Europe on the right wing, with Reiss Nelson on the opposite flank.

Arteta has Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun to choose from for the starting centre-forward position, and may opt for the latter to provide some experience for the 19-year-old.

Big-hitters like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, Willian, and Alexandre Lacazette will all likely be rested.