Arsenal have only won one of their seven away games against Portuguese sides (D3 L3), though it was their last such match at Sporting Lisbon in last season’s Europa League.
Only Sokratis, Tierney and Ceballos retain their places in the Arsenal starting line-up from their draw against Wolves. Martinez comes into the side between the sticks, while Mustafi and Holding slot into the back four. Maitland-Niles and Willock slot into the middle of the park. Saka, Martinelli and Pepe combine in the final third to lead the line.
Vitoria have made five changes to their side from their draw against Moreirense last time out. Venancio comes into the back four along with Garcia and Soares at right and left-back respectively. Pepe and Davidson also get the nod to start in the midfield and the final third.
ARSENAL SUBS: Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Alexandre Lacazette, Lucas Torreira, Reiss Nelson, Matteo Guendouzi, Sead Kolasinac.
ARSENAL (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney; Dani Ceballos, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock; Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka.
VITORIA SUBS: Leo Bonatini, Rochinha, Al Musrati, Andre Pereira, Denis Poha, Florent Hanin, Miguel Silva.
VITORIA SC (4-3-3): Douglas; Victor Garcia, Frederico Vernancio, Edmond Tapsoba, Rafa Soares; Pepe, Agu, Lucas Evangelista; Marcus Edwards, Bruno Duarte, Davidson.
Arsenal and Emery remain under huge pressure amid their woes on the field. Their win over Vitoria offered respite, although matters have not improved great deal since. They’ve given up leads in their last three games, drawing in the Premier League against Crystal Palace and Wolves, while losing the EFL Cup in a 10-goal thriller against Liverpool at Anfield. There is not a great deal to be gained for Emery in the contest, while the Spaniard has also had to replace his captain after Granit Xhaka’s outburst in the draw against Palace. Anything other than a win today could spell the end for Emery in the dugout.
Vitoria are in dire need of a win today to keep their slim hopes of reaching the next phase of the competition alive. They almost pulled off a huge upset in the last round of fixtures at the Emirates Stadium. The Portuguese outfit led the Gunners 2-1 heading into the final 10 minutes. However, a brace from Nicolas Pepe secured a late comeback win for Unai Emery’s men. Vitoria have been inconsistent in the Portuguese Liga since, losing to Sporting Lisbon before hammering Belenenses. They drew last time out against Moreirense, but will need something special to overcome Arsenal today.
Good afternoon and welcome to the live commentary of the Europa League clash between Vitoria SC and Arsenal at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques.
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