Arsenal FC will host Vitoria de Guimaraes tomorrow in a UEFA Europa League group stage clash that should end up very lopsided. It’s a battle of the two teams at opposite ends of the Group F table, and the bottom side/visitors could be without the services of as many as nine regulars!
For Vitoria Guimaraes, or Vitoria SC, they might have to go with a very conservative line-up, and play some of the kids. For Arsenal, who have a very healthy squad right now, it’s chance to rotate the squad. Of course, the question remains- what is going on with Mesut Ozil?
The attacking midfielder keeps getting left out of squads altogether, and manager Unai Emery doesn’t even bother pretending that the club’s highest paid player is injured anymore.
We’re guessing he’ll get left out of this match day squad too, and it’s no stretch to say that this specific narrative is growing tedious. With Alexandre Lacazette now back in the team, Reiss Nelson is the only injury absentee for the Gunners in this match. The club have issued a statement saying that he’s out until November, due to the knee injury that he sustained in the win over Standard Liege.
The memo also said that all other first team players are available for selection.
Vitoria SC at Arsenal FC (UEFA Europa League Group stage) FYIs
Kickoff: 8 BST, Oct 24, Emirates Stadium
TV: BT Sport 2
Group L Standings: Arsenal first with 6 points, Vitoria last with 0 points
Prediction: Arsenal 5, Vitoria 0
It’s not a road game, so you can feel confident in picking the Gunners. Against a very injury-riddled side from a much smaller club, look for Arsenal to roll in this one big time.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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