Belarusian League leaders Bate Borisov, play host to Arsenal on Thursday, in a crucial encounter in the first leg of Europa League’s round of 32.
If Arsenal’s season is to amount to anything, they have to be brave, solid and adventurous to gain the advantage for the return leg, at home, on February 21st.
Bate have already played and been beaten by Chelsea in the group stage but they showed some resolve and determination particularly in the second leg.
They even managed to pinch a goal at Stamford Bridge, with a 79th-minute effort from Rios. He was literally left unmarked at the back post for a simple tap in by a full strength Chelsea defence, that simply switched off after gaining a three-goal advantage. Arsenal’s makeshift backline can’t afford that type of lapses over the two legs.
Bate Borisov have suffered indifferent form like the North London club and it makes for an interesting game ahead. The Belarusian side have lost three of their last six games and managed two draws. They are susceptible from set pieces and goalkeeper Scherbitski is vulnerable to long-range shots around or outside the box.
Arsenal have wobbled since their comprehensive win over neighbours Spurs and those thinking that it was the beginning of something special have had to re-examine their expectations.
Defeats to Southampton and West Ham, have offered some much-needed perspective with the injuries and absences stacking up. There have also been the odd thumping with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City scoring 11 goals between them, while Arsenal only managed 3 in reply.
So, it’s obvious where the concerns are and none of the available combinations seem to have worked that well.
There have been some pluses of late, such as the blossoming of Guendouzi and Maitland Niles. Bernd Leno’s performances in goal have also stood out, as he takes on the mantle left behind by David Seaman. Yet, one suspects that Emery may start Cech who is in his final season.
He may even give him the Captains armband to give him a fond farewell to the European stage. No one could argue with that but old father time is tapping him on the shoulder and whispering fondly in his ear, reminding him that the Gunners are in possession of younger, brighter talent.
Aaron Ramsey is also on his farewell tour but is still troubled by a slight knee injury, which may prevent his inclusion. As for my own thoughts, I would certainly install Denis Suarez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan from the start, to give Lacazette the opportunities to tip the balance of the tie.
Mkhitaryan was industrious and purposeful against Huddersfield, providing both goals at the John Smith Stadium. That performance was welcomed by Arsenal fans but it also crushed any ideas that the hosts had about surviving in the Premiership.
Ainsley Maitland Niles, Joe Willock and Alex Iwobi, all plucked from the Arsenal academy, are likely to be considered for inclusion, along with Guendouzi and Torriera in the middle as Emery shuffles the pack.
Bate forward, Maksim Skavysh, appears to be the main threat, with 11 goals in 29 appearances in the Belarusian premier league and one would expect some close attention from Lucas Torriera to keep him quiet.
This is a typical game where concentration is more important than the application. The result may need to be extracted somewhat painfully to seize the advantage.
Potentially, Arsenal should be able to get two or three goals but it’s the other end that is just as important. The clean sheet which has eluded Arsenal needs to be found in a hurry and as we are all aware, the Gunners haven’t exactly traveled well since December.
Prediction: 3-1 win to Arsenal.
