Europa League

MIKEL ARTETA is on a mission to end Arsenal’s embarrassing Euro record — and prove the club still belong with the elite.It is now 28 years since the Gunners won their last European trophy, the defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.
Mikel Arteta is aiming to become the first Arsenal manager in 28 years to win a European trophyCredit: Getty
And Emirates chief Arteta has brought a full-strength squad to Zurich to ensure they get off to a flying start in the Europa League.
He said: “Twenty-eight years is a long time and I would like to be the first one to break that negative record.
“But we have to start somewhere and we want to begin this competition in the right way and maintain our momentum.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have too many players available to rotate due to the injuries that we have picked up in the last two weeks.
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“But this is a competition that we want to take very seriously against an opponent that is going to make life difficult for us.
“So now it’s the time to play well and earn the right to win this match.”
With Arsenal currently top of the Premier League after a flying start to the season, Arteta is eager to get qualification from the Europa League group stages wrapped up as quickly as possible.
It is an approach that is welcomed by Granit Xhaka, who refuses to even contemplate what might have been after surrendering the final Champions League spot to Tottenham right at the death last season.
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The Swiss midfielder said: “We don’t care about anybody else. We don’t look at what other teams are doing.
“Of course we want to be in the Champions [League] but we have to accept that we’re not in it this year.
“But it looks like the whole team is here in Zurich and we want to start well and take three points back to London.
“Three years ago we reached the final of this competition and to lose that game was very disappointing.
“We can only learn from that result and though we are still in the Europa League, we are here to win it for sure.”
Arteta confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe has not travelled after aggravating a persistent groin injury in the warm down after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester United.
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He said: “Emile felt some discomfort again in an area that’s been troubling him for a few weeks.
“He wasn’t comfortable after the game and he hasn’t trained in the last few days, so he’s out of the squad.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to ring the changes for tomorrow’s Europa League opener against Real Sociedad.And Erik ten Hag could axe up to TEN stars as he looks to rotate his confident team.
Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to start for Man Utd against Real SociedadCredit: Getty
The Red Devils are enjoying an upturn in form after a disastrous start to the new season.
Sunday’s 3-1 win over Arsenal was their fourth successive victory in the Premier League.
And Ten Hag will be hoping to keep the good times rolling as United kick off their continental campaign against Sociedad.
But with numerous players pushing for starts, there could just be one player retaining their side in tomorrow’s XI.
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Starting in goal, ex-Newcastle ace Martin Dubravka could come in ahead of David De Gea for his debut.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are set to replace Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia on the defensive flanks.
It should also see Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof come in for Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back.
As for midfield, Casemiro is nailed on for his first start ahead of Scott McTominay.
United’s possible XI against Soceidad
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An alternative United XI
Fred and Donny van de Beek could also play ahead of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
In attack, Anthony Elanga and Cristiano Ronaldo are pushing to oust Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho from the side.
And with Anthony Martial still nursing an injury, it means Antony is likely to be the only survivor from Arsenal after netting on his debut.

However, Ten Hag may think changing almost his entire team could disrupt the cohesion he’s been building over the past few weeks.
And instead, the Dutchman could prefer to make just five or six changes to his side. More

MIKEL ARTETA is expected to ring the changes for Arsenal’s Europa League group stage opener against FC Zurich away in Switzerland on Thursday.The Gunners are looking to get back to winning ways after they suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday.
This is how Arsenal could start against FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday
And the North London outfit are hoping for a perfect start as they return to Europe for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash against Everton where anything but three points will be unacceptable, a host of key players should be rested against Zurich.
This will give Arteta the chance to throw in some of his summer signings, with two new arrivals in line for their debuts.
Meanwhile a number of players including the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Takehiro Tomiyasu should be named in the starting XI for the first time this term.
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Here Sunsport takes a look at how Arsenal could line up at Letzigrund.
American goalkeeper and lifelong Arsenal fan Matt Turner is set to make his first appearance for the club after joining from New England Revolution.
The 28-year-old, who has been on the bench for every game so far, was brought in to be Aaron Ramsdale’s back-up.
Japanese ace Tomiyasu could then get the nod at right-back ahead of White, with the ex-Brighton man to move into his favoured centre-back slot.
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Gabriel could then partner the England international in the heart of defence, with Kieran Tierney to start ahead Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back.
Arsenal have been hit by injuries to defensive midfielders Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny in recent weeks.
And their lack of cover will likely see Albert Sambi Lokonga retain his place in the starting XI.
Granit Xhaka may also start alongside Fabio Vieira, who is sure to be given his full debut at the expense of Martin Odegaard.

Emile Smith Rowe would then start ahead of left winger Gabriel Martinelli, but only if he is passed fit after appearing to pull up injured in Arsenal’s warm-down at Old Trafford.
And with Bukayo Saka in need of a rest, Brazilian starlet Marquinhos may feature on the opposite flank having starred for the Under-21s following his arrival from Sao Paulo.
Eddie Nketiah would then be tasked with leading the line in place of Gabriel Jesus up top.
This is another way of how the Gunners could line up away in Switzerland More