Arsenal vs BATE Borisov: 5 key players to make this easy

Nothing has come easy for Arsenal this year, and it will stay that way as they face BATE Borisov, but here are five players that can make it easier.

We are now in the business stages of the Europa League, which remains the primary method with which Arsenal can hope to qualify for the Champions League next season, though the top four is by no means out of the question – far from it.

Still, the more avenues we can keep open, the better, and with that in mind, the Gunners head into the knock-out stages against BATE Borisov, a club that we’ve had a history against in the past, and not a history in abad way. It’s always been relatively simple to get past them and with the first match coming at Borisov’s home in Belarus, the Gunners have an excellent chance to establish a deficit and make this much easier for the second leg at the Emirates.

But, as mentioned, nothing ever comes easy. Just look at Huddersfield for another example of that, if you need to. Still, with the right personnel, this is a match that the Gunners should be able to control, and that becomes a lot easier with these five key players.

As it always goes with these five players, I am trying to put myself in Unai Emery’s head as far as who will star, which is always a tough endeavor, but given the break in the schedule, it becomes a little easier to do so. So let’s get to the key men. we start with No. 5.

5. Konstantinos Mavropanos

Taking a leap with this one. I want to believe that, eventually, Unai Emery has plans of vetting Konstantinos Mavropanos to see if he can be a solution on this defensive line before the summer rolls around, at which point we will be expected to purchase solutions.

In the spirit of not wanting to rely on purchases, Mavropanos could do something really cool and be ready to take on a bigger role. But given the lack of “side matches” in which to get him acclimated, he is going to have to face actual responsibility in actual important matches.

BATE Borisov is a great opportunity to get the young Greek out there and, in the process, put him on the key player pedestal as he will be tasked with keeping out a spirited home attack.

On to No. 4.