Charlie Nicholas picks out four Arsenal players he expects to face Standard Liege

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Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has picked out four players he thinks will start for his former club Arsenal against Standard Liege tonight.

Nicholas thinks his former employers will get a draw which will take them into the last 32 of the Europa League and backed academy graduates Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson to start.

He said: “I don’t see many things transforming on the pitch. I think Freddie Ljungberg will make more changes and they will go to Belgium more upbeat, but I imagine Alexandre Lacazette will start. Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson will start most likely too, but I am not sure what he will pick defensively.

“I imagine David Luiz will play, but Ljungberg is limited in choice with the full-backs being injured. It is not a turning point for Arsenal yet and I think they will be happy with a point – that is all they need and will take from the match in order to be the top seed. 2-2.”

TBR’s View – Ljungberg must try and build momentum

It might be tempting for Ljungberg to try and rest players in the Europa League but he needs wins to try and raise the confidence of the squad.

The Europa League might end up being Arsenal’s best route into next season’s Champions League and remains a handy proving ground for the exciting young players they have coming through at the club.