The Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern aren’t sure what approach the Gunners are going to take in the Europa League this season…
It’s going to be a strange feeling turning out on a Thursday evening, with Arsene Wenger’s side failing to get into the Champions League for the first time in recent memory.
Clubs have taken varying approaches to the competition in recent years, with Man Utd utilising a full strength team for much of the campaign in an effort to win it last season, and so Arsenal’s approach remains unclear.
It appears as though Arsene Wenger’s plans for the campaign are becoming more apparent, though, with reports providing an insight into the Frenchman’s plans.
Taking to Twitter, James Olley of the Evening Standard has revealed that a number of players – including Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette – have not trained in the lead-up to the game, with a host of first teamers not expected to be involved as a result.
Conversely, the likes of Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and David Ospina are reportedly likely to be involved – with the Gunners preparing to field a hugely rotated side, according to Olley.
At Colney. Welbeck, Koscielny, Ozil, Ramsey, Lacazette, Cech and Xhaka all not training today. Not injured but not expected to be involved.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) September 13, 2017
Likely that Wilshere, Walcott, Ospina will start against Cologne in heavily rotated team. Few youngsters involved in matchday squad too.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) September 13, 2017
This suggests that the Gunners will be placing a slightly reduced focus on the competition, at least for the time being, which speaks volumes of their plans for the Premier League campaign.
They do, of course, face Chelsea on Sunday, and so it seems likely that these measures have been taken in an effort to best prepare for a tough game against their London rivals.
It’s not going to be easy for the Gunners, though they will be expected to comfortably beat FC Köln with or without some of their key players.
Landlord’s Verdict
Arsenal’s squad is full of talent and depth, and so it makes sense for Wenger to utilise as much of it as possible.
This approach may change as the season progresses, though. If a top four finish begins to look unlikely, Arsenal could take a similar approach to Man Utd and attempt to win the competition – though that will be no easy feat.
Wenger’s management skills are certainly going to be tested this year.
Arsenal fans – thoughts?
Let us know below!
