Arsenal make their return to European action on Thursday night as they host Swiss opposition in FC Zurich at the Emirates Stadium. The clash will mark the end of the group stages, with the Gunners going nearly perfect, but with plenty still to play for when the game kicks off.
Mikel Arteta's men currently sit top of group A, but they need to match or better the result of PSV Eindhoven on the night to ensure they secure that position. While finishing first would often give a more favourable draw, a change in the format means the team now gets a bye into the round of 16.
As for those finishing second, they must compete in the round of 32 and will face one of eight teams dropping from this year's Champions League groups. While there will be the desire to skip playing any extra fixtures, the possibility of playing European giants such as Barcelona, Juventus or Ajax also creates an incentive to finish top.
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One of the key dilemmas facing Arteta will be his team selection, including whether star winger Bukayo Saka will play any part in the game. The youngster missed training earlier this week after suffering an injury against Nottingham Forest, but has been confirmed as an option for the game.
"Bukayo [Saka] has missed one or two and trained today," The Spaniard said before the clash, replying; "Yeah." when asked whether the youngster will be available for the game.
However, given the risk of aggravating the injury further, it remains to be seen if he will be in the starting lineup, with the Arsenal Twitter account hinting at a possible replacement. In posting a pre-match hype graphic for the game, a picture of winger Reiss Nelson was used, suggesting he could be an option to start.
While this isn't always the case for such graphics posted, the academy graduate has impressed after scoring a brace as Saka's replacement against Forest. It remains to be seen if he will be given the call to play on the right, however it could be a likelihood given the form and need for rotation.
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