Arsenal return to European action for the final time this calendar year on Thursday night as they host Swiss outfit FC Zurich at the Emirates Stadium. While Mikel Arteta would have hoped that the fate of his side in the group could be sewn up by the final game, but that is far from the case.
Instead, there's plenty to play for as first in the group is still up for grabs, something that has increased importance since changes in the format. The side that finishes top will earn a bye to the round of 16, completely skipping an extra game; second place finishers will have to play in the round of 32 against a team dropping from the Champions League.
Given the congested fixture schedule and the potential difficulty of the sides dropping from the other competition, it puts more emphasis on winning the group. It hands Arteta a dilemma over the side he calls upon to get the job done while also keeping his squad as fit as possible.
READ MORE: Arsenal get Bukayo Saka injury boost as Oleksandr Zinchenko trains ahead of FC Zurich clash
"I don't approach games thinking that after half an hour or 45 minutes we will get the result that we want, but certainly I will have a really competitive team out there," the Spaniard said of his team selection. "We missed the chance in Holland last week and Thursday is the last opportunity to achieve our goal."
The Gunners have to match or better the result of PSV Eindhoven to secure their position, however should they fail to do that, it could be Arteta's nightmare scenario. While he awaits that fate, the difficulty of facing one of the Champions League sides has been revealed, with the competition's group stage concluded.
The third-placed teams have all been confirmed, with eight teams in those positions set to join the Europa League in the next round. It means Arsenal could face one of: Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, Sporting CP, RB Salzburg, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sevilla or Juventus.
It's a lineup that contains plenty of quality and should Arteta's side have to face them in the round of 32, it could prove to be a tough task. However, attention should stay focused on making sure that top spot is theirs come the end of the day on Thursday.
READ NEXT:
Cedric starts, Bukayo Saka recovers, Gabriel Jesus risked - Arsenal predicted XI vs FC Zurich
Saka and Zinchenko return, World Cup doubt for Europa star - Things spotted in Arsenal training
Saka, Zinchenko, Elneny: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of huge Europa League tie
Edu given transfer redemption to finally sign ideal Arsenal midfielder amid Barcelona discontent
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
