Three things to expect as Arsenal face Dundalk in the Europa League

Eddie Nketiah

Is Eddie ready? What to look out for as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side take on Dundalk in the Europa League.

by Adam Le Roux


It’s time to forget about the trials and tribulations of the Premier League and turn our attention to European football again this Thursday, as Arsenal welcome Dundalk to the Emirates. 


The Irish side are making their return to the Europa League group stage after four years away and will be looking to get back into the thick of it after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Molde last time out.


The Gunners came from behind to defeat Rapid Vienna last Thursday night, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang getting the winner late in the game, and they will be looking to lay down a marker to the rest of the group with a home victory here. 


It is something of a mystery for Mikel Arteta’s side as they come up against League of Ireland opposition for the first time in their history, but what can we expect from the clash with Filippo Giovagnoli’s outfit?  

Goals Goals Goals 

Whisper it quietly, but this one could be something of a goal fest. After netting just five times in their last six appearances in all competitions, Arteta will want his side to get back to their scoring ways, and the visit of the Irish champions could prove the perfect time to do so.


Dundalk have conceded nine goals in the first halves of their past five Europa League defeats, meaning that a quick start at the Emirates could see the floodgates open.


The Gunners need no invitation to find the net on their own patch in the Europa League, with 10 of their 12 home victories in the competition being won by a two-goal margin.


With Aubameyang one of many who are struggling for goals of late, the Gabonese front man could be given the opportunity to boost his confidence ahead of Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, most likely from the bench.  

Changes Changes Changes 

As much as a comprehensive win against Dundalk would be enjoyable, it comes in the middle of a tricky run of fixtures for the Gunners, with that Old Trafford trip in the forefronts of most minds right now. 


Therefore, it will be no surprise to see Arteta make wholesale changes for Thursday’s tie, with a number of players capable of coming into the side and securing the victory. 

Mohamed Elneny

Shkodran Mustafi looks like he will get a runout after David Luiz’s injury against Leicester on Sunday, with the German set to make his first start of the new season. 


There could also be opportunities for Cedric Soares, Mohamed Elneny and Joe Willock, with all three looking for more game time after missing out on regular action so far this campaign.

Eddie’s chance to shine?

Another change to the starting line-up could see Eddie Nketiah recalled to Arteta’s first team, with the former Leeds loanee struggling to find his feet so far this season.


The 21-year-old has had to be content with a place on the bench for many of the Premier League matches to date, with late cameo appearances all we have seen of the young talent.


But with Dundalk coming to town, it could be the chance Eddie needs to prove he still knows where the net is and give the Gunners boss food for thought ahead of the weekend.


Two goals in back to back games against West Ham and Leicester in September is proof of the quality the England Under-21 international possesses, but with competition in the Arsenal front-line as tough as ever, he has to take his chances when he can.

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