Arsenal will play for the first time in Europa cup against Cologne.
The Europa League is here. That is, unfortunately, a depressing sentence to write.
Arsenal , for the duration of Arsene Wenger’s tenure, have never played in the lesser European competition. But on Thursday, FC Koln are welcomed to the Emirates for the Gunners’ first foray into a tournament that, after rule changes, could lead to a Champions League position next season. Given its lesser standing, the Europa League offers Wenger the chance to provide some game time to those who rarely feature in the Premier League.

The last time the Gunners played in this competition it was called the Uefa Cup and they were beaten by Galatasaray on penalties in the final.
Football Whispers look at what team Arsenal should play against the Bundesliga side and whether Arsene Wenger should go with youth, or play his first-choice side.
Just like Manchester United showed last season, the Europa League can provide teams with a gateway back into the Champions League.
It’s always been seen as the poorer little brother of Europe’s elite competition, but when teams like Arsenal can’t guarantee they can finish in the top four, it requires respect and can’t just be dismissed.
In the early stages, there is scope to find the balance between youth and experience.
Arsenal were handed a favourable draw, with fixtures against BATE Borisov and Red Star Belgrade also to come.

They still have a strong squad, and with some seasoned heads, mixed with some of their promising young players, the Gunners could still go far in the competition.
Here is how Arsenal should line up for Thursday’s fixture at the Emirates.
With Petr Cech in goal, and Shkodran Mustafi in front, you have the start of a strong spine.
With Laurent Koscielny suspended, Rob Holding and Nacho Monreal are the best options on either side.
In midfield, this would be the perfect chance to hand Jack Wilshere some minutes.
He hasn’t played for the Gunners in 13 months and is now fit after recovering from a broken leg.
On the right, Wenger would have the chance to reward Reiss Nelson for his superb displays for the Under-23 side.

Unusual place....We go manage am....

COYG

Let the games begin. I love football.

Go, go boys. We are in it already.

Long road to the final

arsenal 0 - Cologne 5

Arsenal does not have the quality to win the Europa cup. Even if they make the finals, Wenger would have to step aside for the voodoo to be broken

WATCHING THIS EVERTONS MATCH, I'VE FOUND ENOUGH REASONS TO WANT TO WATCH ARSENAL TONIGHT...

Hmmm

Omooba77:
Unusual place....We go manage am....

No stories oh. Arsenal must win the Europa title.. after all Chelsea and Man Utd did it when they didn't make the cut for UCL.

Arsenal be looking to do a ManU










#Thursdaynightfootie

up gunners

From grace to grass
I pity their fans

nickz:
WATCHING THIS EVERTONS MATCH, I'VE FOUND ENOUGH REASONS TO WANT TO WATCH ARSENAL TONIGHT...

Badt guy

Wenger go and grab past questions and answers from Man utd.

Thursday Night football

Thursday night football people, coman mark attendance abeg.

Omooba77:
Unusual place....We go manage am....

Emulate Man Utd and win the Cup.

FC Perfume ......

Lets go arsenal

chain.how the mighty yaff fallen..




arsenal why?


for the 1st time in 5 years,I took my gf out on a Tuesday night and she came visiting on Wednesday night. chain she was even surprised with the change cos she knows I always gv excuses that time..



chain..Wenger why

DickDastardLION:
arsenal 0 - Cologne 5

it should be 1-5

9.05pm

Now the babies want to play

Chelsea played and won it, so also did Man. Utd. Can Azu Nna, do same?

Good game

Match delayed by one hour

Cash out or believe in Arsenal?