UNAI EMERY looks set to shake up his Arsenal squad for tonight’s Europa League meeting with Napoli.
Laurent Koscielny and Granit Xhaka could miss out through injury, but Aaron Ramsey is expected to make his return to the starting XI.
With Koscielny set to start on the sidelines, Emery could start with Shkodran Mustafi as part of his back three.
But some fans are not keen on the idea following his disastrous display during Sunday’s defeat to Everton.
The German could be named in the line-up alongside Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Nacho Monreal.
Sokratis is back from suspension after he missed the second leg against Rennes and is expected to start as he banned for the next two domestic matches.
Juventus-bound Ramsey started on the bench against the Toffees after struggling to recover from a cramp issue.
He was introduced to replace Mohamed Elneny at half-time and looks set to start against the Serie A side.
And Emery’s midfield options have been strengthened by the return of Lucas Torreira.
Mesut Ozil has found his form in recent weeks, but failed to produce the goods against Everton before he was hauled off in favour of Alex Iwobi.
But Europa League specialist Emery will want to field his strongest team on Thursday – so Ozil should be included.
Arsenal’s top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang started on the bench on Sunday, but is is predicted that he will start alongside Alexandre Lacazette.
Petr Cech, who admitted it is his dream to end his career with Europa League glory, is expected to start the between the sticks.
However, should Koscielny and Xhaka be passed fit, they may line up in a different XI.
Emery said: “We were waiting to see if Laurent could play but it wasn’t possible.
“I want to be positive for Thursday, it depends how he is progressing.
“Xhaka is the same. They are going to be doubts for Thursday.”
Mustafi was poor against Everton and Koscielny would replace him on the right side of the back three if deemed fit enough to play.
Ozil threw his coat in the direction of Unai Emery and Everton boss Marco Silva and if the Spaniard takes that as a slight, could drop him to the bench.
If that happens, and Xhaka is OK to play, Ramsey could be pushed further forward with the Swiss midfielder lining up next to Lucas Torreira for added strength in the middle.
