3 players expected to start in upcoming Europa League games

Both players and the manager have exceeded expectations this season. Long winning streaks, quick bounce-backs and brilliant performances see Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

While the focus has largely been on their domestic efforts, the London outfit’s European fixtures are about to start again.

Mikel Arteta has a larger squad with added depth and quality. The Europa League provides the opportunity for him to make changes not only to rest key players but to give others some much-needed minutes. These minutes will allow them to build up fitness and form. The competition is also another chance for a trophy so the manager may turn to more experienced options over youngsters, at least to start.

3 players expected to start in upcoming Europa League games

Here are three players that are expected to start in the upcoming Europa League games with the Gunners taking on Sporting CP over two legs.

1. Kieran Tierney

The left-back position has changed a great deal this year. The arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko means that different expectations are placed on the player in that position. The left-back is now expected to invert and play inside, passing the ball quickly and interchanging fluidly. None of these responsibilities fit Kieran Tierney’s profile.

The Scot excels when allowed to bomb down the left-hand side, overlapping the winger before whipping the ball in. Although he has shown signs of improvement in an inverted function, we have not seen him play for a while. It is possible that he has improved even more and adapted to the new role of Arteta’s left-back.

The upcoming Europa League games will allow the fans and Arteta to get another look at a player that has been instrumental to Arsenal since his arrival.

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