ARSENAL face the very real prospect of being knocked out of the Europa League after a dismal run of form.
During a nine-game winless streak, the Gunners picked up just a point in two matches, leaving their next opponents Standard Liege with the chance to climb above them.
Freddie Ljungberg’s Arsenal still need to qualify for the knockout stages heading into the final matchdayCredit: EPA
Only the top two will go through – Eintracht Frankfurt currently sit in second behind Arsenal – where they could face the likes of Inter Milan and Ajax after they were demoted from the Champions League.
How can Arsenal qualify for the Europa League knockout stages?
Very simply, a win will ensure top spot and progression, while a draw would be enough to go through.
A defeat for Frankfurt against Vitoria would also be enough – no matter the result against Standard Liege.
Yet, if the German outfit do win, Arsenal cannot lose by more than four goals to their Belgian opponents – going through on goal difference and/or away goals between the two sides.
That would see the Gunners finish second, but the same scenario except with a Frankfurt draw would mean they stay top with a better head-to-head record.
Who could Arsenal face in the Last 32?
Arsenal will not face another English team, meaning Manchester United and Wolves will be off limits.
If the Gunners were to finish top, they would likely face a runner-up from the group stages.
Among the teams currently in those places are AZ Alkmaar, Roma, Porto and Apoel Nicosia.
Yet, if Arsenal were come runners-up in Group F, they would either take on a group winner or one of the teams who have been demoted from the Champions League.
Inter Milan, Benfica and Ajax are already in the hat for the draw, while five-time Europa League winners Sevilla have secured top spot.
Scottish champions Celtic are also expected to be seeded, along with Espanyol.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
