Time: 22:00
Europa League action returns to the Emirates for the third straight season as Arsenal host Belgium side Standard Liege in a Group F clash.
As in their group opener against Eintracht Frankfurt a fortnight ago, a heavily rotated Arsenal squad is expected to feature in this match.
Manager Unai Emery will be more than pleased to give his young players much needed play time as he rests the seniors for weekend league action.
Arsenal made light work of their first group match against Frankfurt comfortably slotting 3 unanswered goals against the Bundesliga side. 18 year old forward Bukayo Saka was the star of the show scoring two goals and providing an assist with similar eye-catching performances from fellow teenagers Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe.
The Gunners will be looking to make amends of their Monday night fixture away at Manchester United where they wasted crucial chances to put the game as they were held to a stalemate.
The visitors have never won in England, something the hosts will capitalize on having been impressive at home, losing just twice at the Emirates since the beginning of the year.
Liege boss Michael Preud’homme is wary of the danger the young Gunners pose saying he does not expect an easy evening even if the regular starters are handed a watching brief by the hosts.
He has within his ranks Konstantinos Laifis, a 26 year old defender, who is somewhat familiar of the away ground. Laifis spent 3 years in the youth ranks at Nottingham Forest and played against the hosts once during his time in the East Midlands.
Liege have been erratic on the road, tasting defeat in two of their last four outings and let 4 goals past them in their most recent match. And with Arsenal on a good streak at the Emirates scoring no less than 2 goals in their past four games here, a high scoring home is on the cards.
Emery has won 18 of his last 20 Europa League home matches including the last five in a row.
Mesut Ozil is expected to be recalled along with Reiss Nelson and keeper Emiliano Martinez, having been called to the Argentina squad for the first time in over 8 years.
Left back Kieran Tierney could also start as Emery asked him not to join Scotland for the upcoming international break to help his recovery from a double hernia operation.
Gabriel Martinelli who bagged a brace against Forest in the League Cup is expected to lead the attack line as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang earns a much needed rest.
Alexandre Lacazette and Emile Smith Rowe are the only absentees for this clash.
Liege have an almost full squad to pick from for their starting XI with Orlando Sa the only absentee.
Head to Head:
This will be the third competitive encounter in recent times between the sides with Arsenal emerging victorious in the previous occasions.
Tip:
Arsenal win with over 2.5 total goals
Odd:
1.79
Stake:
Large