Arsenal will lock their horns against German side FC Cologne in the Europa League match on Thursday. Arsenal having won against their arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby with the margin of 2-0. The win has given them the mental boost up that was needed for the rest of season.
Arsenal have already qualified for the next round of Europa League. Arsene Wenger will try to rotate his starting line up a bit resting the key players for the long season ahead. The North London side have collected 10 Points from their 4 encounters so far in the Europa League and are currently situated at the top of the table of the Group H. Arsene Wenger & Co. will be eyeing to stay unbeaten at the commencement of Europa League’s group stage.
On the other hand, FC Cologne lie grounded in Group H, having collected only 3 Points from possible 12 so far. They were defeated by Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga on weekend with a margin of 1-0. The German side will now have to win both of remaining group stage fixtures to have a chance for qualification in next round, which makes this fixture a do or die one for the hosts if they want to continue further in Europe.
When and Where?
FC will host Arsenal at the Rhein Energie Stadion on Thursday, November 23. Kick-off is scheduled for 23:30 IST.
Team News :
For the hosts, vice captain Jonas Hector will not be available for contention. Peter Stoger faces no other injury concerns before Arsenal’s visit to Germany.
For the visitors, starlets viz. Maitland-Niles, Akpom, Nelson, Nketiah, Sheaf, Dasilva, McGuane, Osei-Tutu, Willock, Macey will come in for their usual Europa League appearance. Calum Chambers is probable to be back into Arsenal colors returning from injury. Starman Danny Welbeck is another big name boosting Arsenal after return from injury. Danny Welbeck could well be needed in the Arsenal starting eleven as Olivier Giroud will miss the clash due to injury caused on course of International break with France. Theo Walcott’s involvement is doubtful. David Ospina has travelled with squad, can make his deserved appearance for Arsenal.
Key Players :
Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere will be one of the core performers for the Gunners. With time he is getting the supporters on the edge of their seat. And with absence of Olivier Giroud he will have to step in as key content of Arsenal performance.
With his pace and technical ability Cologne striker John Cordoba will trouble Arsenal’s defence charging in on counter attacks. He will have to get ball past Arsenal”s last line of defence if Cologne want any chance of winning this clash.
FC Cologne vs Arsenal Head To Head Clash :
FC Cologne and Arsenal had met each other 3 times till date where Arsenal emerged victorious in 2 occasions and the other one was snatched by FC Cologne.
Probable XI:
FC Cologne :
Timo Horn
Konstantin Rausch
Frederik Sorensen
Dominic Maroh
Lukas Klunter
Leonardo Bittencourt
Matthias Lehmann
Salih Ozcan
Milos Jojic
Sehrou Guirassy
Jhon Cordoba
Arsenal :
David Ospina
Calum Chambers
Rob Holding
Mathieu Debuchy
Reiss Nelson
Mohamed Elneny
Joe Willock
Maitland-Niles
Theo Walcott
Jack Wilshere
Danny Welbeck
