The Premier League hasn’t been very kind for Arsenal in recent days. Since winning 0-1 against Manchester United they are yet to win a game. While they still struggle to score a goal from open play. However, the Europa League brings some respite for them.
Mikel Arteta’s side has already qualified for the round of 32. Better results in the Europa League are likely because they face relatively weaker opposition. However, a win in these midweek games certainly gives some confidence and boast to players.
While for the Austrian side it is all about qualifying. They are level on points with Molde at six. Even a point at Emirates will give them a huge morale boost in the race for qualification. Wein will also try not to lose by many goals at they have a better goal difference than Modle.
The Norwegian side has a goal difference of -4, while Wein has 1. For them, it is likely that they will get a result against Dundalk which will make their goal difference better. Perhaps we will see more efforts in the game from Die Grün-Weißen than from the Gunners.
Analysis
Mikel Arteta is unlikely to play his regular first-team players. They have already qualified for the next round and on weekend they will face arch-rivals Tottenham. Thus Wein will face Arsenal’s B team in the game. Though they can’t be underestimated as well.
The Austrians will be hopeful of getting a result as in the last fixture as well, Arsenal only managed a hard-fought win. Arteta had to bring on Aubameyang to get the win. Die Grün-Weißen will try to sit deep and frustrate the Gunners.
There will be pressure on the English side to score goals. They will be forced to go out wide and they will have to swing in crosses inside the box. Second balls will be crucial as they will help Arsenal in building more pressure on the visitors.
Rapid Wein will try to hit on the counter-attacks. As they will force Arsenal to go wide fullbacks have to come forward to attack. This will leave space behind them and centre backs have to cover that. This will, in turn, stretch Arsenal defense and leave some spaces which the visitors will look to exploit.
Team News and Injury Update
Arsenal
Arsenal’s star signing Thomas Partey has been ruled out of the game. It is believed that his injury is worse than expected and he will be available only in 2021. David Luiz suffered a head injury against Wolves and he is unlikely to play this game.
Rapid Wein
The visitors have only two injury concerns from the midfield duo of Dejan Petrovic and Dejan Ljubicic. Both these players are close to returning but they are unlikely to feature in this game.
Ones to watch out for
Arsenal
Alexandre Laccazatte hasn’t been in good form but he scores goals on his day. Nicolas Pepe is having a hard time at the Emirates but no one can doubt his talent. While Xhaka and Elneny will work hard to win the midfield battle.
Smith Rowe and Nelson are the attacking players who could be the players to watch out for.
Rapid Wein
Ercan Kara will lead the line and he will be a major goal threat. Christoph Knasmüllner can come up with a goal from the midfield. Maximilian Hofmann will be the leader at the back. Marcel Ritzmaier and Taxiarchis Fountas are the players to watch out for.
Arsenal vs Rapid Wien Head to Head
They have faced each only once and that was at the Allianz Stadium in the Europa League. Arsenal came out victorious in that game by 1-2.
Predicted Line Ups and Prediction
Arsenal: Runarsson, Cedric, Mustafi, Holding, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Elneny, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Lacazette.
Rapid Wien: Gartler; Stojkovic, Hofmann, Barac, Ullmann, Grahovac, Knasmullner, Schick, Demir, Fountas, Kara.
Match Prediction: Though Arsenal aren’t at their best still they have enough to win this game. They should win this game by 2-1.
