Arsenal eye win against Ostersund in crucial Europa League tie
Kick-off : 7:00 PM (Local)
Venue : Jamtkraft Arena, Ostersund
Arsenal will be hoping for a win when they take on Swedish side Ostersund in Sweden. The conditions are going to be testing for Arsenal players as temperatures will be around -4 degree C.
The Gunners won their group in the group stages of the Europa League. They should be pretty confident of reaching the round of 16.
The importance of the Europa League is a whole lot more for Arsenal now as they are struggling in the Premier League. They would want the Europa League win way to qualify for next seasons Champions League.
On the other hand, Ostersund finished second in their group behind Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. So now they face giants Arsenal.
It will be a whole new experience for the Ostersund players as they take on one of the best clubs in history in Arsenal. It will be the very first meeting between the two clubs.
Team news and possible line-ups
Ostersund have no fresh injury concerns and are at full strength.
As for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger might like to rotate the squad. It will mean that the likes of Iwobi will get a start. Also Aaron Ramsey is doubtful ahead of the Thursday game.
Ostersund XI : A. Keita, Pettersson, Papagiannopoulos, Bergqvist, Widgren, Bertilsson, Sema, C. Edwards, Nouri, Hopcutt, Gero.
Arsenal XI : Cech, N. Monreal, R. Holding, S. Kolasinac, Mustafi, Ozil, G. Xhaka, Elneny, Iwobi, Lacazette, Welbeck.
Prediction
Arsenal shouldn’t have much problems seeing off Ostersund as they are the superior team. I expect the Gunners to win this game 3-0.
