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Written by

Alla Zakarian

04-04-2018 | 17:17 Football
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90min: "Arsenal are potentially playing to save to job of their manager"

​Arsenal's bid for a return to the UEFA Champions League continues with the first leg of their Europa League quarter final tie with CSKA Moscow. One of the most popular websites touched upon this game. After resting a few key players over the weekend in their league victory over Stoke City, it is clear the priority is beginning to shift towards the European competition.  The Gunners may have been happy with their quarter final draw, but certainly should not underestimate the Russian side. The Europa League is proving to be Arsenal's only saving grace in what is otherwise their worst ever season under the management of Arsene Wenger. CSKA Moscow managed to defeat Lyon in the last round of the competition by virtue of away goals.  The Horses have won their last three Russian Premier League matches as they continue to battle for the league title.  Petr Cech is still suffering with a groin problem and will likely be unavailable. David Ospina would be likely to continue his run as Arsenal's cup goalkeeper despite this. Arsene Wenger has said he is unsure about whether Alexandre Lacazette is ready to start a game yet. After two months on the sidelines Lacazette still lacks a bit of cutting edge, but will be likely to feature in some capacity on Thursday. For Moscow, Viktor Vasin is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season after rupturing his cruciate ligament in February. Midfielder Astemir Gordyushenko has a meniscus injury and will not return until June. Mario Fernandes could just miss out as he nears a return from a hamstring problem. Potential Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Ramsey; Ozil, Wilshere, Mkhitaryan; Welbeck Potential CSKA Moscow Starting Lineup: Akinfeev; A. Berezutski, Ignashevich, V. Berezutski; Nababkin, Natcho, Golovin, Schennikov; Dzagoev, Wernbloom, Musa

Arsenal will know that they face a difficult trip to Russia for the second leg of this draw, so will want to try and tie up this fixture at home.  The Gunners will be expected to play a full strength squad and have a lot riding on this competition. Not only are Arsenal playing for the chance of Champions League qualification and a European trophy, they are potentially playing to save to job of their manager.

90min's prediction:  Arsenal 2-0 CSKA Moscow.

 

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