Arsenal Predicted XI: Mikel Arteta’s possible starting line-up for Europa League trip to Rapid Vienna

Arsenal kick off their 2020/21 Europa League campaign with a trip to Austria to face Rapid Vienna.

The Gunners qualified for the competition by defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup final back in August after only managing an eighth placed finish in the Premier League.

Despite defeats at champions Liverpool and Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s side have made a promising start to this season, winning their other three matches.

But with so many matches coming in quick succession, the Spaniard will have to manage his squad well to get them competing in various competitions.

So which players will the Arsenal boss task with getting a positive result in Austria?

Here we predict Arteta’s starting XI for Arsenal’s trip to Rapid Vienna…

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno has performed well since returning from injury but Arteta could hand a debut to signing Runar Alex Runarsson for this game. The Iceland international was brought in from French side Dijon and has only made one career appearance in European competition to date (Europa League qualifier in 2013). This could prove a great opportunity for him and also one for the fans as they get a first glimpse of the 25-year-old.

Defenders: After playing with a back-four in the defeat at Man City, Arteta could revert to a back-three for this one. Rob Holding is out for three weeks with a hamstring injury meaning David Luiz and Gabriel should keep their spots. Alongside them, we expect Sead Kolasinac to be given a run out as a left sided centre-back. This means Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cedric Soares could come in as wings backs with regular full-backs Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin handed a breather.

Midfielders: Arsenal fans were got a first look at £45million midfielder Thomas Partey as he came on as a late substitute at the Etihad. Now supporters could get to see the Ghana star from the start with Arteta ready to give him his full debut. Alongside the new boy in middle of the park should be Mohamed Elneny, who has impressed in his six appearances this term.

Forwards: A front-three of Willian, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang started at Man City but we expect their to be wholesale changes for this one. After missing out on Saturday, Alexandre Lacazette could be restored for this one. The Frenchman, who has scored in all three matches he’s started this term, could be supported by academy graduates Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson in attack.

Predicted XI: Runarsson; Cedric, Luiz, Gabriel, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles; Partey, Elneny; Nelson, Nketiah, Lacazette.