Arsenal get their European campaign back under way and it arrives at perhaps the perfect time. Although momentum in the league is good after four back-to-back victories, the emotion of the Bournemouth drama can simmer somewhat with this Europa League distraction before a testing trip at the weekend to Craven Cottage and Fulham.
The Europa League gives Mikel Arteta the opportunity to use some of his less-utilised players and could potentially even give some debuts to senior and youth stars. Reuell Walters and Mauro Bandeira were amongst the youngsters to get a call-up to first-team training before the flight to Portugal.
Jakub Kiwior is also in with the chance of getting his first minutes in an Arsenal shirt at senior level having only played in an under-21s game so far. Arteta does however have to contend with a number of absences which will limit rotation, particularly at left-back and in the forward line.
