Arsenal team news: Wenger set to give contract-rebel first start of season

Arsenal return to European competition this week as the Gunners compete in the Europa League for the first time.

Arsene Wenger’s side reached the final of the UEFA Cup – the previous iteration of the Europa League – back in the year 2000 but were defeated by Galatasaray.

The North London based club take on Bundesliga side FC Koln on Thursday night. The fixture will be played at the Emirates stadium and kick-off is scheduled for 20:05 (GMT).

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Arsenal team news:

The French tactician is expected to rotate his squad heavily as he prioritizes the Premier League.

Callum Chambers is a doubt going into the game due to a groin injury. Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are in line to make their first starts of the season. Alexis Sanchez is also expected to play a part. The Chile international hasn’t started a game for Arsenal this season and came close to an exit from the club on deadline day.

Meanwhile. Mesut Ozil is expected to be rested after playing four games in the past fortnight.