Arsenal finally managed to end their nine-game winless streak this weekend when they beat West Ham United 3-1 in the Premier League and next up they shift their focus to the Europa League.
Right now the Gunners are top of their respective group in the UEL meaning Freddie Ljungberg can afford to rotate his squad and rest some of his first-team players in midweek.
Arsenal won the return leg 4-0 back in October and we do not expect them to win with a similar scoreline since the North London side would be playing away from home.
The interim manager has made it clear that he does not wish to make any radical changes to his first XI but he is expected to name a few youngsters in his starting line-up on Thursday.
Arsenal team news vs Standard Liege:
Arsenal lost Hector Bellerin to an injury right before the Gunners took on West Ham United during the weekend meaning the right-back had to be replaced by Maitland-Niles.
And as per the latest reports, the full-back might not be fit enough to start against Standard Liege meaning either Niles or Callum Chambers would get to play at right-back.
Kieran Tierney picked up a shoulder injury during the West Ham win and the youngster will also miss out on the Europa League game as Sead Kolasinac starts in place of him.
Sokratis and Chambers played in central defence during the weekend but David Luiz should return to the first XI and might be partnered by Mustafi.
Granit Xhaka picked up a head injury during the West Ham win and he is expected to be replaced by Mateo Guendouzi in central midfield. Lucas Torreira should keep his place in the starting XI.
Mesut Ozil has gotten a fair amount of game time under Freddie Ljungberg but the playmaker will surely be rested for the Europa League clash as Joe Willock starts in his place.
Bukayo Saka started on the left flank during Arsenal’s loss to Eintracht last month and is expected to return back to the same position when Arsenal take on Standard Liege.
Alexandre Lacazette remained an unused substitute against the Hammers but the Frenchman should lead the line in midweek as Aubameyang is rested for the game.
Nicolas Pepe put in a fine shift during the weekend and Ljungberg will be tempted to use him vs Standard Liege but Arsenal take on Manchester City next Sunday and the summer signing might not be risked before this high-profile encounter.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
