Arsenal host FC Zurich in their final group fixture in the Europa League this Thursday as the Gunners look to seal the top spot moving into the round of 16 stage of the competition. Having failed to seal top place against PSV Eindhoven last time around, the Gunners will be keen on bouncing back to winning ways while Zurich will be looking to register consecutive victories on Thursday.
Having won four of their last five Europa League games, Arsenal will be keen on a positive end to the group stages at the Emirates on Thursday. Amongst the contenders for the Europa League trophy this season, the Gunner will be looking to continue remaining consistent in their displays in a bid to maintain their impressive run of results moving forward.
On the other hand, having only registered their first victory of the competition in their last outing, Zurich will be keen on potentially moving up into third place on Thursday. Whilst expected to remain proactive in their approach, the Swiss side head in as underdogs into the fixture although the team are likely to remain competitive throughout the ninety minutes against Arsenal.
When And Where?
Date: Thursday, 3rd November 2022.
Time: 20:00 BST.
Venue: The Emirates Stadium.
Team News
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe remain out of contention owing to injuries although the former is expected to return for the game against Chelsea in the Premier League. Mohamed Elneny continues to recover from a hamstring injury having returned to training although the midfielder is unlikely to take part in the game against Zurich.
Granit Xhaka’s suspension for the game on Thursday is likely to see Thomas Partey replacing the Swiss international in midfield while both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Matt Turner remain doubts for the fixture. Unlikely to risk further injuries, Mikel Arteta is expected to play his fittest players, with the Spaniard hoping to secure three points on Thursday.
FC Zurich
Mirlaid Kryeziu, Ilan Sauter, Blerim Dzemaili, Donis Avdijaj, and Miguel Reichmuth remain sidelined due to injuries although Fabian Rohner is likely to return to the squad owing to a domestic suspension. Nikola Katic’s availability remains a doubt although Karol Mets emerges as a likely replacement for the right-back for the game against Arsenal.
Match Analysis
With both teams in need of three points, both managers are expected to employ a positive approach on Thursday. Having shown notable consistency this season, Arsenal will be keen on maintaining their momentum while the visitors will be looking to secure a clinical result at the Emirates.
Expected to dominate most part of the game against Zurich, Arsenal will be looking to secure a comprehensive three points on Thursday. Unlikely to deviate from a relatively successful possession-based attacking approach, the Gunners are likely to build their performance on a strong defensive foundation alongside utilise the creative prowess across the midfield and wide areas in breaking down the opposition at the Emirates. Although the manager is expected to make changes to the starting line-up, the hosts remain clear favourites for the three points on Thursday.
Meanwhile, with nothing to lose, Zurich will be keen on staying competitive alongside delivering a defensively solid performance against Arsenal. Having secured an eventful victory against Bodo/Glimt in their last league outing, the Swiss side will be keen on carrying forward the momentum into the game on Thursday, with the team expected to adopt a consciously positive approach against the Gunners on the pitch.
Key Players
Martin Odegaard – Arsenal
Amongst the team’s most consistent performers this season, Odegaard will be keen on delivering a notable display on Thursday. Likely to undertake the creative responsibilities on the pitch, the midfielder will be looking to remain consistent in his output over the ninety minutes.
Jonathan Okita – FC Zurich
Having secured a goal in Zurich’s latest league outing, Okita will be keen on making an impact against Arsenal on Sunday. With the visitors in needing of finding the back of the net in a bid to test the opposition’s resolve at the Emirates, the forward will be banking on his inter-play and finishing ability to deliver a notable performance on Thursday.
Predicted XI
Arsenal Predicted XI vs FC Zurich: Aaron Ramsdale; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Martin Odegaard, Albert Sambi-Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli.
FC Zurich Predicted XI vs Arsenal: Yanick Brecher; Karol Mets, Lindrit Kamberi, Fidan Aliti; Nikola Boranijasevic, Ole Selnaes, Cheick Conde, Adria Guerrero; Antonio Marchesano; Jonathan Okita, Tosin Aiyegun.