Arsenal host Ostersunds FK with a comfortable three goal advantage heading into the second leg of their last 32 Europa League tie. Arsene Wenger is likely to rest several of his key players as qualification looks all but secured into the last 16.
Form Guide
Arsenal still aren’t in the best of form having lost two of their last four games. Having been knocked out of the FA Cup early on, they had a weekend off this weekend so they should be fresh, although they will have one eye on the League Cup final against Manchester City this weekend.
Ostersunds, managed by Englishman Graham Potter, are also in poor form with only one win in their last five games. They were outclassed in the first leg but will be at least looking to get some pride back in this second leg.
Did You Know?
The two clubs had never met until being drawn together in this year’s Europa League. Graham Potter is also the only English manager left in European competitions this season.
Team News
Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey are both out of this game. Ozil is suffering with an illness whilst Ramsey has still not fully recovered from a groin injury. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is cup-tied for the League Cup final on Sunday so will start, as will Danny Welbeck and David Ospina.
Arsenal boss Arsen Wenger said: "We have to focus on the Premier League, the Europa League is one of the priorities we have. But ideally, we want to come back to the Champions League through the Premier League."
Ostersunds may make a few changes but are unlikely to rotate too much. There could be starts for two Englishmen, Curtis Edwards and Jamie Hopcutt.
Prediction
Arsenal look likely to name a strong team which should see them win this game. It may not be as comfortable as the first leg but they shouldn’t have any trouble in cruising through to the next round.
Arsenal 2-1 Ostersunds
