Arsenal v Koln – Confirmed lineups – Wenger makes major changes to starting XI

Arsenal take on FC Koln tonight in their opening Europa League clash at the Emirates tonight.

Arsene Wenger’s side head into the match off the back of a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Koln will be looking to bounce back from defeat following a 3-0 loss to FC Augsburg.

The French tactician has opted to shuffle his pack. Wenger is clearly prioritising the Premier League over the Europa League and has rested seven first team players.

Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Granit Xhaka, Danny Welbeck and Alexandre Lacazette have all been left out of the squad

Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla are both ruled out with injuries while Koln are without forward Artjoms Rudnevs.

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Wenger has decided to start Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.

Jack Wilshere was expected to get the nod but he will head into the clash on the bench.

The Arsenal head coach has decided to give youngster Maitland-Niles a starting role against the Bundesliga outfit.

Arsenal v Koln confirmed lineups:

Arsenal confirmed XI: Ospina, Holding, Mertesacker, Monreal, Walcott, Niles, Elneny, Bellerin, Iwobi, Sanchez, Giroud

Subs: Macey, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Adelaide, Nelson, Wilshere, Akpom

FC Koln confirmed XI: Horn, Klunter, Sorensen, Heintz, Hector, Hoger, Lehmann, Zoller, Bittencourt, Osako, Cordoba