Yahoo Sports Cologne vs Arsenal: Europa League prediction, team news, line-ups and how to watch on TV and online
Arsenal’s passage to the Europa League knockout rounds are already secured but there is still the small matter of top spot in Group H.
A point in Cologne, where tensions will hopefully not be raised by memories of the chaotic scenes at the Emirates in September, will be enough to do exactly that after a largely serene passage through their first four games, with a 0-0 home draw against Red Star Belgrade the only blemish on a fine run.
The Europa League has had its advantages for Arsene Wenger, who has been able to rotate his squad and blood several highly-rated youngsters. That will almost certainly continue to be the case in the final two games of the group stage.
Though Theo Walcott will have to prove he is over a bout of illness before he is restored to the side expect Arsenal to name much the same team that has brought them such success in Europe so far.
Scroll down for Standard Sport’s comprehensive preview…
Start time
Cologne host Arsenal at the RheinEnergieStadion on Thursday, November 23. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm UK time.
TV and live online coverage
The match will be televised live on BT Sport 2, with coverage starting from 4.30pm. BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match online via the video player and the BT Sport app.
Alternatively, you can follow all the build-up and action from 4pm with Standard Sport’s London Football live blog.
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Team news
Arsenal could be without two senior forwards for the visit to Germany, though both Walcott (illness) and Olivier Giroud (groin) will be optimistic of proving their fitness.
Giroud returned to training on Wednesday but could be rested if there are any doubts over his readiness, particularly with Danny Welbeck being available to Wenger and in need of match sharpness.
Calum Chambers could also feature in a rejigged back three, which could allow Wenger to restore Mohamed Elneny to a more natural midfield role.
Cologne, winless and bottom of the Bundesliga after a 1-0 defeat at Mainz on Sunday, will be without vice-captain Jonas Hector due to a knee injury.
Predicted line-ups
Cologne (4-4-2): Horn, Klunter, Maroh, Mere, Rausch; Jojic, Lehmann, Ozcan, Osako; Guirassy, Cordoba.
Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Ospina; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Holding; Nelson, Willock, Elneny, Maitland-Niles; Wilshere, Giroud, Welbeck.
