Arsenal have been going through a terrible run during the past couple of weeks as they have constantly dropped points in the Premier League.
The Gunners have drawn their past two league matches and next up they travel to Portugal in order to take on Vitoria in the Europa League.
While the Europa League fixtures are generally played on Thursday but the Vitoria vs Arsenal clash has been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon leaving a lot of fans perplexed.
Vitoria and Braga have their stadiums in very close proximity and since Braga too are playing in the Europa League, UEFA have chosen to bring the Vitoria vs Arsenal clash to Wednesday in order to avoid chaos.
Arsenal have picked up wins in each one of their group games so far meaning they have one foot firmly planted into the knockout stages of the competition. While Emery would be eager to register a win by using his strongest XI but given they take on Leicester City in the Premier League next weekend, the manager is expected to rest a number of his key players on Wednesday.
Arsenal news vs Vitoria:
Arsenal travel to Portugal with a fully fit squad but still, a number of youngsters are expected to be named in the first XI with perhaps only the defensive line seeing seniority.
Sokratis and David Luiz will make way for Mustafi and Rob Holding in the central defensive area while Callum Chambers is replaced by Hector Bellerin at right-back.
Kieran Tierney played at left-back at Wolves and the Scottish youngster should move to the bench in order to make way for Sead Kolasinac.
Lucas Torreira is expected to be partnered by Willock as Granit Xhaka remains frozen out of the squad after that infamous war of words with the home crowd.
Emile Smith Rowe is expected to play in a more advanced role meaning both Mesut Ozil and Dani Ceballos will miss out on first-team opportunities.
Nicolas Pepe started on the bench vs Wolves last weekend but the summer signing should get a start vs Vitoria on Wednesday.
But apart from the form Lille man, the other big forwards will surely be rested for the Europa League clash keeping the game against Leicester City in mind.
Lacazette will make way for youngster Gabriel Martinell who will play up front as the lone striker while Aubameyang makes way for Bukayo Saka on the left-wing.
Arsenal’s predicted line-up vs Vitoria:
Starting XI: Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac; Torreira, Willock, Rowe; Saka, Pepe, Martinelli.
