Dundalk v Arsenal- Team news and predicted line-up
Mikel Arteta is expected to name a youthful Arsenal side when they take on Dundalk in their last match of the Europa League group stage.
Arsenal is looking to win six European matches on the bounce for the first time since 2005 as they look to make amends for the derby defeat to Spurs on Sunday.
With Arsenal already confirmed as group winners, it presents the perfect chance for Arteta to rest some of his first-team regulars and give some game time to the younger players.
Thomas Partey is out again with a thigh issue and Gabriel Martinelli slowly making his return from injury after playing 45 minutes for Arsenal’s U/23 side that lost 3-0 to Wimbledon earlier in the week. They are currently the only two players unavailable for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arteta was asked about the Ghanaians injury during his press conference before the Dundalk clash.
He got injured in the same area, not exactly the same spot but the same area as before. He will miss the next few matches.
The Arsenal boss was then asked if he thought he rushed Partey back too soon.
He did incredibly well and he was very confident. We tested him three times and he had zero symptoms, but in football you have a lot of unpredictable actions.
He went into the floor, his knee got stuck, afterwards he stretched and got up. Immediately he put a lot of stress in a similar area and it happened. Afterwards people will say it was a bit early but I don’t think it was because he was completely fine to play.
Home side Dundalk are expected to have their full squad available for this clash having already been eliminated from the competition.
Alex Runarrson is expected to start in goal and other young players in Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock will all be looking at getting some minutes under their belt.
Nicolas Pepe should feature as he still continues his league ban after his red card against Leeds United as should Reiss Nelson who was surprisingly left out of the Premier League squad on Sunday.
Arsenal will be favourites to take the three points having already beaten Dundalk 3-0 in the group stages at home.
After a disappointing result against Tottenham, Arsenal will be looking to continue their winning ways with their final group stage match. However, this result will not mean much as all eyes are fully focused on the Burnley game in the Premier League.
Predicted XI: Runarrson, Cedric, Mustafi, Mari, Kolasinac, Elneny, Maitland Niles, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Nketiah, Pepe
Prediction- Dundalk 0-3 Arsenal
