Arsenal risk playing weakened team vs FC Zurich in Europa League crunch clash at their peril as it could mean facing likes of Barcelona, Juventus, Sevilla or Ajax

Mikel Arteta knows he may be forced into naming a strong starting XI against FC Zurich to avoid the risk of finishing second in their Europa League group.

The Gunners could have sealed top spot in Group A away at PSV last week, but they were beaten 2-0 away in Holland by the Eredivisie giants.

3

And should PSV beat Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and Arsenal fail to get the win over FC Zurich, the north Londoners would be leapfrogged by Ruud van Nistelrooy's men.

If that were to happen, then Arsenal would progress to the knockout playoffs and fail to skip a round into the Round of 16.

Arsenal would then run the risk of being drawn against a European powerhouse such as Barcelona or Juventus.

Ajax and Sevilla could also prove to be tricky ties from the clubs dumped out of the Champions League.

But Arteta knows he has to keep one eye on Sunday when his side face London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Failure to beat Chelsea away from home for a third consecutive campaign could see Manchester City return to the top of the Premier League table if they get past Fulham.

Most read in football

Liverpool star leaves in £25m deal and makes immediate shirt name change

Champions League club interested in Man United outcast Hojlund after injury to key man

Leeds vs Everton latest, Tottenham push to agree Eze deal, Brentford block Wissa exit

Manchester United stance on signing new goalkeeper revealed after Andre Onana axe

The Blues currently trail Arsenal by ten points, and Arteta will be desperate for that gap to not be cut.

In a double boost for Arsenal ahead of tomorrow night's fixture, Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko have returned to full training.

But it remains to be seen whether they will be risked for the clash, with Saka more likely to feature against Chelsea.

Granit Xhaka is out of the FC Zurich tie due to suspension, with Emile Smith Rowe and American goalkeeper Matt Turner Arsenal's only injury concerns.

3

Here is how talkSPORT predicts Arsenal could line-up at the Emirates against the Swiss outfit.

With Turner not expected to feature, Aaron Ramsdale will likely keep his place between the sticks.

Takehiro Tomiyasu could then come in for Ben White at right-back, with Kieran Tierney to start on the opposite side with Zinchenko not to be risked.

Rob Holding may then start in place of William Saliba to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of defence.

Albert Sambi Lokonga could then be deployed as the defensive midfielder ahead of Thomas Partey.

Fabio Vieira is likely to come in for Xhaka, where he and Martin Odegaard would play as the two free-roaming No8s.

Following his two-goal cameo off the bench in Sunday's 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest, Reiss Nelson could slot in at right wing ahead of Saka.

Just like in the home clash against PSV a fortnight ago, Eddie Nketiah may start at left wing over Gabriel Martinelli, with Gabriel Jesus tasked with leading the line.

3