Arsenal team news: Arsenal faces Napoli in the second leg of the Europa League quarterfinal. We take a look at the Arsenal predicted line up for the clash.
Arsenal will aim to secure a place in the semifinal of the Europa League when the side takes on Napoli in the second leg of the quarterfinal tie.
In the first leg at the Emirates, Arsenal secured a 2-0 win, with Aaron Ramsey opening the goalscoring. Kalidou Koulibaly scored an unfortunate own goal minutes after Arsenal’s opener.
However, Unai Emery cannot be complacent just yet, as Napoli holds the firepower to make a comeback in the game. Their performance in the first leg might have been underwhelming, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side won’t give up without a fight.
As Arsenal focusses on booking a place in the semifinal, we take a look at their predicted line up for the clash.
Arsenal predicted line up vs Napoli:
Goalkeeper: Cech
The veteran goalkeeper is set to assume his duties in the second leg against Napoli. Cech was decent in the first leg, where he kept a clean sheet and Unai Emery would expect a similar performance from his number-2 as the side travels to Naples for the away game.
Defence: Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal
Unai Emery realizes that he cannot take risks in this game, as this is Arsenal’s more favourable chance to secure Champions League’s qualification berth for the next season. The Spaniard has an impressive record in the Europa League, securing three consecutive victories in the competition with Sevilla.
Hence, he is expected to start with his three best defenders in Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis and Monreal in a three-man backline.
Midfield: Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Ramsey, Kolasinac
Aaron Ramsey scored the first goal of the tie and is expected to retain his place. Lucas Torreira suffered with an injury during the game against Watford, but reports have suggested that he may travel to Napoli.
In any case, Emery is unlikely to risk further aggravation of Uruguayan midfielder’s injury. Maitland-Niles and Kolasinac are expected to take the role of wing-backs.
Forward: Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette
Mesut Ozil could start as a number 10, with Aubameyang and Lacazette leading the frontline. Arsenal would rely on the firepower of their two strikers to outscore Napoli, in case the host side adopts an attacking style of play for the game.
Arsenal predicted line up:
Cech; Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Ramsey, Kolasinac; Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette
