Arsenal will face CSKA Moscow in the quarter final of Europa League.
Arsenal is currently situated at sixth position in the League Table. The top four finish is not seeming to be likely for The Gunners this season. Arsene Wenger will have to win the Europa League if the Gunners want to qualify for the Champions League this season.
‘Arsenal Core’ will today analyse one of the ‘Key Battles’ that supporters will have to look out for this match.
Alexandre Lacazette vs Ahmed Musa is the one of the key battles of the fixture. Both the aces are looking to prove themselves at the moment and it will be interesting to see ‘who will cause more trouble’ to opposition’s defence.
Alexandre Lacazette :
Alexandre Lacazette was in fine form for the Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon in the previous season. After joining the Gunners in this season, his form dipped to an extent. Now, he is not also the regular starter for the Gunners. The new winter summer window signing Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is not available for European competition this season. So, it will be a great chance for Lacazette to prove himself in the big stage.
Lacazette’s anchor play is going to be vital against CSKA Moscow. His finishing ability is one of the key strengths of his game-play. His ball control ability is certainly better than most of the players in the Premier League. He has scored 10 goals in 29 matches so far.
Lacazette has assisted in 3 goals of the Gunners this season. His passing accuracy is decent enough as a centre forward. His dribbling success is also keeping him ahead of many players of his age. The player will be keen to prove himself against CSKA Moscow to get back in the Starting Lineup of the Gunners for the next matches.
Ahmed Musa :
The Nigerian International is one of the key players for CSKA Moscow. He has to perform his level best if CSKA Moscow have to qualify from this tie. He is good with both the legs. He plays mainly in the wings but he can also be given the center role.
His ball control ability is also not of very high quality. He has spent most of his career time at CSKA Moscow. In 2016-17 season, he has joined Leicester City. But he was not as influential for Leicester City as he was for CSKA Moscow. The presence of many quality strikers in the Leicester City squad have prevented his chances to get into the starting line up of the side. So, he has again moved back to CSKA Moscow in the winter transfer window.
Ahmed Musa will be able to play in the match against the Gunners as he is not cup tied with Leicester City. The experience of the Striker of playing in the Premier League will be a key factor for CSKA Moscow in this tie.
