Arsenal continue their quest towards the knockout stages of the Europa League tonight.
The full match squad is as follows:
Starting XI – Martinez, Bellerin, Holding, Mustafi, Tierney, Willock, Torreira, Martinelli, Smith Rowe, Maitland-Niles, Lacazette.
Substitutes – Leno, Ceballos, Pepe, Chambers, Guendouzi, Kolasinac, Saka.
The match is a crucial one for Emery. Pressure is building on the Emirates boss after defeat to Sheffield United in the English Premier League on Monday night.
However, it’s not a surprise to see him go for a mix of youth and experience, with Arsenal’s clear priority being league action at the weekend against Crystal Palace.
Fans will nonetheless be buoyed by the inclusion of summer signing Kieran Tierney, who makes his third start for the club since joining from Celtic.
Alexandre Lacazette also returns to the starting eleven after coming off the bench on Monday night. He hasn’t started a game since the start of September because of injury.
The Gunners have a good recent European record at home, winning their last six at the Emirates in continental competition. They’re also unbeaten in their last five home matches against Portuguese competition.
Vitoria aren’t in the best of form either, losing their last two matches.
There will be expectations of a comfortable Arsenal victory. Having already picked up six points from two matches in Group F, another win tonight would put them on the verge of qualification.
Can Emery’s men oblige?
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