3 players expected to start in upcoming Europa League games

3. Jakub Kiwior

Jakub Kiwior has only played a single U21 game since joining the club in January and understandably so. The pressure in the league is immense, there have been no extra games and the Pole is still acclimating to life in England.

Yet even in his sole game, Kiwior showed why Arteta signed him. The left-footed centre-back offers balance when playing out from the back. He is also comfortable on the ball and has an impressive passing range. His long switches of play and line-breaking passes were the highlights of a straightforward debut.

The game against Sporting will allow fans and coaches alike to see how Kiwior fares with other members of the first team against a more difficult opponent. With the expectations on him and the comments of previous coaching staff, there is certainly hype around the young player. There is no doubt, however, that he can handle it.

Arteta has rotated his squad more this season compared to previous campaigns. Part of this development is certainly the deeper bench. It is also the natural growth of a manager. Playing starters through injury and poor form derailed Arsenal’s season last year, but Arteta has learned. The upcoming Europa League games will allow the Spaniard to rotate once again and give important minutes to important players in what is Arsenal’s most important season in decades.