Arsenal make the trip to Roazhon Park for tonight’s Europa League round of 16 clash against Rennes. Unai Emery’s side are currently unbeaten in four successive games and they can extend the streak with a strong showing in France to enhance their prospects of reaching the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Petr Cech has been the regular choice between the sticks for the Europa League and he should feature in goal against former club Rennes.
In the backline, Shkodran Mustafi could get the drop after his mistake for the penalty in the north London derby and this could witness the experienced Stephan Lichtsteiner replace him on the right side of the defence.
Likewise, Sead Kolasinac should feature ahead of Nacho Monreal on the opposite end after being rested for the derby. Laurent Koscielny and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, however, should maintain their central defensive positions as they remain the best combination present for the moment.
In the midfield, Granit Xhaka should undoubtedly feature from the off and he could be partnered by Matteo Guendouzi. Lucas Torreira seems the preferred pick, considering his three-match domestic suspension, but Guendouzi’s appearance in the pre-match press conference suggests that he may feature from the off.
In the attack, Unai Emery should stick with Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the left and right side of the attack, given the duo remain the best natural combination to feature in those positions. Mkhitaryan, in particular, has shone with two goals and three assists in the past three games.
Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil should replace Aaron Ramsey in the number 10 position after only making a late substitute appearance in the north London derby. In this case, Ramsey will be the likelier starter for the Manchester United game over the weekend.
Upfront, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should lead the line with Alexandre Lacazette due to serve the second of his three-match European suspension at Rennes. Young graduate Eddie Nketiah could be called off the bench if required towards the end.
