In a match that had hoped to mean nothing now could mean everything regarding Arsenal’s hopes in both the Europa League and Premier League. That might sound somewhat hyperbolic but considering the outcome of this clash could see Arsenal play both a Champions League drop-out and face two additional fixtures to their schedule.
All that Arsenal need to do is win at home against bottom-of-the-group FC Zurich. The challenge for Mikel Arteta, more so than their actual opponents, is fielding a squad that can do the job but rest players enough ahead of a pivotal away trip to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea on Sunday.
Zurich have their own motivation too. Having surprisingly beaten Bodo/Glimt, they know that a result at the Emirates could see them squeeze into third and offer them further European competition next year in the form of the UEFA Conference League.
