Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea will face off in the final of the Europa League in Baku on the 29th of May. Unai Emery’s side will be desperate to win the game and ensure that they win their first European title in recent times and are able to secure that place in the Champions League for next season.
The Spaniard is the most successful manager in the competition’s history and will want to win his fourth title, this time with an English club. However, it will not be easy, as they will be up against Maurizio Sarri’s side. Their fierce rivals will try their best to win the trophy and add to their collection of silverware in recent times.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be making the trip despite the political tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, the team could be a man short in midfield when they try to cope with the Blues’ strong midfield.
With that being said, here are three things that Arsenal needs to do to win the Europa League-
Drop Lichsteiner and Mustafi
Unai Emery needs to drop Lichsteiner from the squad and Mustafi to the bench for this game. Neither of them can be anywhere near the starting lineup, as it would only have a negative impact for Arsenal. The defensive duo have been shambles when it comes to playing for the Gunners and can not be on the pitch, if the north London giants wish to win this one.
Unless there is an injury or Emery has not option, Mustafi should not be allowed anywhere near the likes of Hazard and co., as they would run circles around him, with the way that he defends generally. Sarri would know this and hope that the German starts the game.
Play both Lacazette and Aubameyang up-front together
It is key for Emery to get his team selection right and play both the attackers together, rather than playing just one of them. They are the leading scorers for the Londoners with Aubameyang even bagging the golden-boot this term, which he shared with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. Due to this, it would make no sense for either one of them to be dropped to the bench for this must-win final.
Hopefully Emery make the right tactical call and his team can deliver based on the strategy that he has in mind for the game against his fierce rivals.
Get Ramsey fit-on-time for the final
There is a thing about cup-finals and Aaron Ramsey, with the Welshman being one of the reasons for the success of Arsene Wenger, in those FA Cup wins towards the end of his career at the Emirates. With that being said, even Emery needs the midfield superstar, who has once again scored some crucial goals this term.
If the likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette fail to hit the target on the night or are not up to the mark, Ramsey can surely leave an impact on the game and a Europa League win would be a fitting way to say goodbye to him. He will be moving to Juventus this summer,
